For your September posting, please review Standard 1 below. Considering the current controversy over the Code of Ethics for Educators, please post a comment concerning Standard 1 and how it applies to your current educational situation.
Standard 1: Professional Conduct
An educator should demonstrate conduct that follows generally recognized professional standards.
Ethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• Encouraging and supporting colleagues in the development and maintenance of high standards.
• Respecting fellow educators and participating in the development of a professional and supportive teaching environment.
• Engaging in a variety of individual and collaborative learning experiences essential to developing professionally in order to promote student learning.
Unethical conduct is any conduct that impairs the certificate holder’s ability to function in his or her employment position or a pattern of behavior that is detrimental to the health, welfare, discipline, or morals of students. Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• Harassment of colleagues.
• Misuse or mismanagement of tests or test materials.
• Inappropriate language on school grounds.
• Physical altercations.
• Failure to provide appropriate supervision of students.
One of the ways that I see Standard 1 directly applying to our work as educators in Blount County is through our collaboration and professional learning communities. Standard 1 supports this culture of collaboration in a positive manner. Many of the tenets of Standard 1 apply directly to the issues of school climate and culture and could be shared with teachers in these terms.
ReplyDeleteI believe that we should set an example and hold to high standards regarding Standard 1.This is important not only for our students, but our faculty members as well. Leading by example will enhance the school community.
ReplyDeleteThe Code of Ethics: Standard 1 can be summed up in a nutshell with Luke 6:31, better known as "The Golden Rule". The King James version states it as, "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." This same concept is included in just about every ancient writing when dealing with mankind's relationships with others.
ReplyDeleteIf we truly apply "The Golden Rule" we will have no problem fulfilling Standard 1 of The Code of Ethics.
As Johnny noted in his post, I am also reminded of the importance of modeling and the observation that the climate of the school is directly related to the "climate" of the school leader. In other words, if the school leader is inconsiderate, harsh, and inappropriate with interactions with adults and children, then the rest of the staff may sink to those standards. When a school leader models and expects kindness, consideration, appropropriate language and behavior for staff, then in turn, the staff models and has high expectations for student behavior, the Code of Ethics Standard becomes more than words on a page but the way the school "is."
ReplyDeleteI see it as a tickle down of attitude. Attitude here is so important along with personality. I can not have bad days in education. I instead have good days or great days. Keeping this attitude is a challenge but it can trickle down to students and even all on campus. The Code of Ethics holds us to a higher standard and it allows us to model leadership. Having the correct attitude enables us to support that climate we all want for staff and students.
ReplyDeleteTo follow Dr. Baker's and Dr. Bradford's comments, I often remind myself that as a leader in my school, it's imperative to lead by example. I often have to stop and think and prevent myself from reacting. It's harder to stop/think/reflect than it is to just react. It also takes more energy, but it's worth it in the end. As reading coach, it's imperative that I help my principal set and convey high expectations while instilling a passion and desire to be continuous learners. It all begins with "Leadership." It comes from the top down. I am reminded of the book Good to Great. It was the companies with outstanding vision and leadership that guided their businesses to success! It's all about vision not about the vehicle we choose to get where we're going.
ReplyDeleteI feel that it is imperative to set an example for our students, teachers, as well as the community in general.
ReplyDeleteAmplifying Mr. Pullen, it is imperative for us to set the example for the teachers and demonstrate the behaviors we expect to see. By setting the expectations high, the teachers will carry this into the classroom and improve classroom climate and increase the opportunity for learning.
ReplyDeleteAmy W. said of Leadership, it comes from the top down. I think back to my Dad coaching and him explaining why he had to spend so much time preparing. He said, "you get yourself a piece of rope, chain or even a dead snake and get behind it and push as hard as you can and it'll fold up on you. But if you are willing to get out front and pull, it'll follow along behind wherever you might go. That's leadership." I'm striving to live up to that example.
ReplyDeleteI believe one of the most ethical things that I can do as an administrator is to model what I expect. Servitude Leadership is the most humble leadership style. I am not willing to ask of a teacher what I am not willing to do myself. This keeps me grounded to an ethical standard. As Paul stated to the Colossians "Let the words of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, as you sing Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts for God." Keeping God in my heart allows my true spirit of leadership to show to others. Our attitude should show what is truly in our hearts when following codes of conduct set by man. It really should be easy when you are following the code of conduct set forth by God's Son.
ReplyDeleteMy dad used to tell me, "People will only follow what you say when they see you do what you say." I really belive that to be the truth. I try hard to model all the things that I expect of my faculty, from the way I dress to how I treat them to how I treat the students to how I deal with parents.
ReplyDeleteAll of you who have posted so far have some wonderful comments this month. I really appreciate your depth of thought and reflection. Reading your ideas should encourage others.
ReplyDeleteReading the comments of other administrators reinforces the fact of just how fortunate the parents, teachers and STUDENTS of Blount County are. Being an example/leader is an awesome responsibility, but one that is evident in our schools. I think as stated in the book, Working on the Work,Blount County's principals are willing to "work with teachers rather than to work on them."
ReplyDeleteThe Code of Ethics reminds me that to be a good leader "you do things right", but to be a great leader "you do the right thing". I feel that it is imperative, not only, for administrators to do the right thing, but also, the teachers. Our students watch what we do more than they listen to what we say.
ReplyDeleteWe must be vigilant everyday to do the right thing.
In the indroduction to the code of ethics it states ..."educators must value the worth and dignity of every person, must have a devotion to excellence in all matters, must actively support the pursuit of knowledge, and must fully participate in the nurturance of a democratic citizenry." I believe Blount County has been following this statement and it shows in our dedication and in our text scores.
ReplyDeleteBy walking the walk of an ethical person, we all set good examples for our co-workers and students to emulate. To me, that is what the code of ethics is about. Do what is right, treat others as you would like to be treated and try to be the best person you can possibly be is what it is all about. If we all live that way, we would not have the problems with ethics that we have in this country today.
ReplyDeleteIn the setting in which I am currently working, it is very important to set a good example. We receive boys through the Dept. of Youth Services and the Dept. of Human Resources that have “no” example to follow. The way they hear me talking and the way I treat my colleagues will help them realize acceptable ways to treat each other and the respect they should give to adults.
ReplyDeleteAlong the line of what Brian Kirk stated in his posting, I was given permission to display a poster in my work area that quotes Colossians 3:23 “Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” We could have no higher calling.
Our positions have the potential to impact so many lives in a positive manner. When we stop and reflect on the number of students, parents/guardians, faculty & staff that are in daily contact, we have to be humbled. Everyone has the expectation that we have the "model" behavior. It is critical that all educators are "walking the walk." I found a quote this summer "Thou shalt not be a victim. Thou shalt not be a perpetrator. Above all thou shalt not be a bystander." (Holocaust Memorial) Sometimes it is hard to be an example, but is always worth it.
ReplyDeleteFor several of our students, we are the only positive influence in their lives. We owe it to the students to provide them not only the best education we can but also be a faculty representing positive character to which they can respect.
ReplyDelete"Do the right thing" is a common quote, but to me it sums up what the code of ethics is all about. In every situation, major or minor, whether it be dealing with our jobs and responsibilities as teachers, or treating others with the respect we think we deserve ourselves, or simply putting our buggy back in the right place at Walmart, we will follow a code of ethics in education and in every aspect of our lives. So, "do the right thing!"
ReplyDeleteStrategic lessons are not easy to develop. Adopting this new style of teaching has taught me a few things. I realized that all educators can improve and add new things to their lesson plans. I also learned that I would need help while adopting this new style of teaching. By working with our literacy coach and observing other teachers who plan strategically, I have been able to think outside the box. The open-door policy embraced by my co-workers has enabled me to observe how strategic lessons should be taught. Colleague collaboration has provided us all the opportunity to prepare better lessons for our students.
ReplyDeleteAs we learned in Habit 1, "a transition person breaks unhealthy, harmful, abusive, or unfortuante learned berhaviors and replaces them with proactive, helpful, effective behaviors." Standard 1 in the Code of Ethics indicates what we must demonstrate, model, and share to others so that we may earn the title of teacher, admnistrator,or educator in front of our name.
ReplyDeleteWe must not underestimate our power to influence others. An educator has a huge responsibility for modeling ethical behavior; we are entrusted with young people during their formative period, which means they are even more susceptible to our influence. It is our responsibility to see that these influences are positive rather than negative. We should be mindful that our students are watching the way we interact with them and others, including our colleagues. Ethical conduct and effective leadership go hand-in-hand to produce the proper climate in our schools.
ReplyDeleteIn our profession we have a responsibilty to influence many people . We must conduct ourselves in ways that people look up to us for guidance and model behavior. Being positive in both our professional and personal lives can go along way and influence many people. We must all work together to be very sucessful.
ReplyDeleteThroughout history teachers have been held to a higher ethical standard. Our stakeholders – students, parents, and community business leaders- expect teachers and administers to model ethical behavior. This is a responsibility that educators must embrace in their work environment. This year I have the honor of serving as OCS System Test Coordinator in addition to my other duties. At the training for new coordinators the handling of testing materials was emphasized continuously and there are severe penalties for the misuse or mismanagement of tests. This is the area of ethical conduct that will cause a loss of teaching certificate with a proven violation. In this litigation society it is imperative that administrators and teachers uphold a code of ethics worthy of emulation.
ReplyDeleteWhen I look at Code of Ethics Standard I and read the words "Encouraging and supporting colleagues in the development and maintenance of high standards", I can't help but see the faces of so many of Blount County's Central Office, administrators and teachers. We do have a huge responsibility to model high standards as so many of you have posted and it is difficult to maintain those high standards in both our personal and professional lives but I see so many of you making that commitment every day. Not only are you able to verbalize this commitment in what you have posted here, but you are able to show that commitment in your daily walk before your staff, your students and their parents. As we have found through the School Improvement Process - there is always room for improvement, especially in promoting high standards, but I have found that Blount County has many professionals that do more than "talk the talk", you "walk the walk", and I appreciate the effort you make. As I visit our schools and work with teachers and administrators, I see evidence of encouragement and support throughout the county and my goal is to strive to live up to the standard that so many of you have set.
ReplyDeleteI have long considered the military academies codes and some colleges as a challenge. I have trouble with the "nor abide those who do" portion. As with my students turning in fellow teachers who choose to skirt some school rules seems asking too much. I'm glad I'm not an administrator when they tell me of misuse of sick days of other "less serious offenses/"
ReplyDeleteThat is what concerns me with the state ethics code proposed to be made into law.
I believe, that as educators, Standard one should be second nature to us or we should not be in this profession; As Christians we should all follow “The Golden Rule” as David said. My summary of Standard one is “Integrity,” I believe that we should always do what is right. We should always be fair and consistent in what we do. I personally pride myself in the fact that I always treat students and faculty with fairness and consistency, regardless of who they may be, and I encourage my teachers and staff to do the same. If we always do what is right, we can’t go wrong.
ReplyDeleteMy granddaughter loves to play with my reading glasses. When she picks them up she doesn't put them on her face she puts them on her head (the way I wear mine when not using them). She picked this up from watching me. This really brought home how some incidental habit of mine was becoming something she would model. Our teachers and students are also watching us. Our negative attitude toward something we are aked to do by "the central office" can be reflected in a nagative attitude by teachers toward something they are required to do by "the office" and then a negative attitude by students toward something they are asked to do by "the teacher". Our actions, good or bad,major or minor, trickle down - even to a two year old!
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, mentor, and grade-level leader, I have seen first hand how my attitude and actions affect the people around me. The leadership in our school has developed a positive climate in which everyone works together as professionals to reach excellence.
ReplyDeleteOne fact I know for sure is that students are watching the adults in their life. They want to know that you love them and that you love what you are doing. You can not fake that! Come to think about it, you can't fake it with most of your colleagues either! We all have the freedom to choose our own standards for our lives. Most of our standards are much higher than those written by our State Ethics board.
ReplyDeleteI think professionalism goes a long way and I think it is a must that teachers act in this manner at all times. Some classrooms that I have seen struggle with management issues stem from lack of professionalism. Those are the classrooms that also struggle to teach. I agree with all the posts in saying that those little eyes in the desks watch our every move. There are certain people around the county that belong to sister churches that I find myself watching like a hawk! Even though I know I should keep my eyes on myself.
ReplyDeleteProfessionalism is an essential aspect of being an effective school leader and one that affects your relationships with all stakeholders. As a school leader, how you model standard 1, is key to how your stakeholders will view your effectiveness.
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