6 May 2010
Code of Ethics Standards
Standard 1: Professional Conduct
Standard 2: Trustworthiness
Standard 3: Unlawful Acts
Standard 4: Teacher/Student Relationship
Standard 5: Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Use or Possession
Standard 6: Public Funds and Property
Standard 7: Remunerative Conduct
Standard 8: Maintenance of Confidentiality
Standard 9: Abandonment of Contract
An educator should fulfill all of the terms and obligations detailed in the contract with the local board of education or educational agency for the duration of the contract.
Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• Abandoning the contract for professional services without prior release from the contract by the employer;
• Refusing to perform services required by the contract.
The Leader in Me—Chapter 9
Stephen R. Covey
“When literally hundreds of students arrive in unison each morning like a giant wave, or when they depart en masse at the end of the day like the tide going out, it must be difficult for educators to always keep in mind that ultimately, in the final analysis, every child is a one—a unique spirit with gifts.”—Stephen R. Covey
Please choose one of the following key phrases from Chapter 9. Reflect on the phrase and how it relates to your thoughts on the book as a whole. Please post a comment on the blog related to your chosen phrase.
1. “Modern-Day Miracle Worker”
2. “The Tradition of Caring”
3. “Not One More Thing”
4. “Universal Nature”
An old saying rings true: "No one cares what you know until they know you care." This concept holds true in the classoom. Students need to know that teachers care about them. Thus, a tradition of caring must be established. It can begin with a few teachers and then spread throughout the faculty.
ReplyDeleteGod made you an original not a copy. Showing each life that we touch our sincere caring is a daily challenge. The joy we get from getting others to reach their potential begins with showing them first we care and second how much they have to offer others. To unlock those talents and give a person a feeling of purpose is a fever that never breaks. I pray that my efforts stay true with this since of purpose and caring.
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ReplyDeleteWhat if the potential in Anne Sullivan had not been recognized? What if a caring soul such as Anne Sullivan had not gotten the position of governess for Helen Keller? What treasures we would have all missed! It is scary to think of the power we as educators hold in influencing and drawing out the good, the great and possibly the bad in the children we come into contact with throughout our careers. Our actions can dictate the side(s) of children that we bring out. It is often a challenge to look beyond the issues that often appear to be the most prevalent in children. But so often, issues that are most observant mask what is truly behind the appearance or action. As caring educators, it is our duty to seek first to understand.
ReplyDelete“The tradition of caring”…..this is the phrase that impacted me the most. I tend to live by the addage, “They don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Once the school establishes the idea of caring for their students, the students will then be more compliant and take ownership of their school which improves learning and teaching quality. The highly successful schools got their students involved in implementing change. Before long, parents, comminities and bussiness members were “sucked” into the change initiative. I would think it would be hard for resistant teachers to resistant with everyone, including students and outside stakeholders, being on board. Once we see and appreciate each child for the unique individual that they are, then our school culture will change tremendously and sustain itself.
ReplyDeleteMuriel Summers is a wonderful model of what The Leader In Me is all about. What better gift can we give than to bring out the potential of others? The excerpt from Helen Keller's diary on p. 193 says it all. "A person who is severely impared never knows the hidden sources of strength until he is treated like a normal human being and encouraged to try to shape his own life."
ReplyDeleteWe all have particular strengths within us and possess a need to be treated with respect as human beings and encouraged to develop that inner strength to its full potential.
We can all relate to what is stated on p. 194. Many of our students have been through tough challenges during their life such as rebellion and/or emotional or physical tragedies. As school leaders we must accentuate the good that is in them and do whatever we can to develop their potential strengths to the maximum.
CNP is a perfect program to show students we care. It is never "cool" to like school lunch. However, I remind the Managers that in spite of that fact most students will tell you their favorite parts of the school day are lunch and P.E. Each of our customers have "a unique spirit with gifts". Yet you can make their day with just a smile.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of “Universal Nature” is a key component for welcoming new students into our school community. We all have similar needs – to have our physical needs met in a safe environment where we build relationships that builds self-esteem. As students become a part of our community we should look for those universal similarities rather than differences.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Webster’s Dictionary, a habit is a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiological exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance. Wow—what a definition that demonstrates what the section on “universal nature” means. Habits that are beneficial work no matter where we are and the habits that prevent success also work wherever we are. I believe, as educators, we must eliminate the negative and accelerate the positive. Only then will we have the ability to move students forward.
ReplyDelete"Any person who unlocks the unseen potential of others and inspires them toward noble causes is a modern-day miracle worker." What an opportunity we have as educators, and even parents! Every child has potential in some area, but often can't see it for themselves. If nothing else, The Leader in Me should make us all aware of our responsibility to look for those areas of potential and inspire them to reach for that.
ReplyDelete"Modern Day Miracle Worker." You do not have to be the best to be a modern day miracle worker while on the job. Some times it just takes an open ear to know that you can help a child change forever. An escalated student was in my office just the other day. He had gotten in a fight with a much bigger boy over a position in line at the water fountain. I said to him, "you don't look to be the fighting type," and he responded that he usually wasn't. With just a little investigation I discovered that his parents were recently divorced and he was "mad at the world." Through some odd questioning, I must admit,I discovered that he liked Frank Sinatra and I happen to have had his greatest its on my computer. When I started the Sinatra soundtrack the mood completely changed and he was deescalating right before my eyes. I told him my parents got a divorce when I was just his age and he learned that I went through some of the same feelings as he was going through during this rough time. To make a long story short, I suspended him for the day and when he left my office he turned and asked if he could come back to talk with me when he got back to school. A "Modern Day Miracle Worker" I'm not. I was just placed at the right time in this young man's life. We should not take for granted the experiences that we have been through and should use them even if it shows vulnerability to help young people. It just might be the right thing at the right time that could change a persons life forever. A lesson learned "again" after twenty-one years in education.
ReplyDelete"Not one more thing." To me that speaks to a mindset many educators have towards new concepts or programs. Too many of us are so comfortable that we cringe at the thought of having to change anything. I am guilty of that myself sometimes. However, 7 Habits training isn't about new or changing curriculum, although as pointed out, we certainly spend lots of time on meaningless details because the state says so. Streamlining the curriculum probably will never happen, however. Therefore, I think we must be creative in figuring out ways to include progams that benefit the person, not just the student, because a better person will become a better student. I know I hope my children will be good people as well as good students. These aren't really independent of one another. I certainly agree with Covey when he laments that his grandchildren may spend 20 percent of their time learning meaningless things. A major overhaul of curriculum standards and standardized tests? Not likely. We, at the local level, must find our own ways to help our own kids learn things that benefit them as people and benefit our society. Easy, huh?
ReplyDeleteThe tradition of caring can go along way with many people . I believe that everyone that goes into education should have a feeling of caring for their students and everyone around them.I think that when a child knows that you care about their wellbeing then that student will try and do everything possible to please you and himself. As educators, we see some of these children longer than their parents . They need as much loving and caring from us and from their parents also. The thing that gives me great satisfaction is when a former student comes to tell you how much they appreciated the time we spent with each other The things that were taught to them in their school days both academically, athletically and character building goes with them thru-out theirs lives. So as educations always so your students that you care for them.
ReplyDeleteReading the comments for this month makes me realize how fortunate we are to be educators. We are molding the futures of students each day. As Mr. Hargett said about students not caring what you know until they know you care is so true today with the single family homes and the many homes where grandparents are raising our students. We have to show students we care but at the same time, we have to prepare them for the future. As educators, we need to make sure our students understand they are ultimately responsible for their lives. I loved the quote from Ann Sullivan in her valedictorian speech on page 193. If we could instill that mentality in our students, we will be providing them a great beginning for their futures.
ReplyDeletePhase Three: "Not One More Thing" was so rich with pertinent information. Unfortunately, the analogy that much of our curriculum is "a mile long and one-half inch deep" is painfully true. Too often, we as educators are so concerned with "covering the material" that content mastery is all but impossible for many students.
ReplyDeleteMarzano's study which revealed that 20% of the 741 identified math standards were rated as "nonessential" really makes an impact--especially when realizes that 20% of our school week is ONE FULL DAY of instruction each, and every week!
Surely, we as educators can take a closer look at some of our curriculum and make the necessary changes to ensure there is adequate time to teach our students the principles and skills necessary to be analytical critical thinkers, good decision makers, and most importantly--effective problem solvers. As Covey said on p. 203, "the quality of our future depends on it."
"A Modern Day Miracle Worker," really sets the theme of this book. Every child needs someone to see that they are "a unique spirit with gifts." pg. 196 It would have been horrible loss if the government worker had not recognized Anne Sullivan's potential. It struck me that she was crying out and begging for help. Anne was not a "Holli Hair bow." Her situation in life was horrible. It would have been easy for most people to "write off" her potential. It is so critical that educators and administrators take the opportunity to "hear" what students are telling us. Often we are the only ones listening or in a postion to help them. We must always remember to look at each child's unique spirit and nurture their talents.
ReplyDelete“The Tradition of Caring” Working as the Ace Number One Bad guy of the High School with the responsibility of disciple. I have realized that my "regulars" are the ones that desire that "caring discussion" about choices in life. I realized early as a teacher that kids gravitate to people that care for them, that listen to them, that genuinely give them time to talk and give solid advice on how to handle future situations. With parents becoming less and less involved in their children's lives, it has become imperitive for me to act the role of a counselor as much as the role as a disciplinarian. By doing so I feel that I have become an asset to troubled students and also opened communication to students.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Covey's statement that "the leadership theme is not one more thing; it is the main thing". Leadership in education truly is about helping students see and reach their full potential as a student and as a person. As educators we must examine our practices to ensure the time we spend with each child is not wasted time. We must provide leadership as the "main" thing for each student each and every day.
ReplyDeleteThe Tradition of Caring must be given top priority in our schools. Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. (Not original)
ReplyDeleteI agree that as educator we must show our students that we care for them as students and as unique individuals. We must show concern not only for their immediate needs but also for their future needs. This is even more evident as we strive to reach every child, to improve our graduation rate and decrease the number of dropouts in our schools.
ReplyDeletePhrase Two: “The Tradition of Caring” is the phrase that caught my attention. The statement, “School traditions are not solo acts” from this section of the book caused me to stop and think about my involvement with new initiatives. I have been guilty of thinking that something positive may not happen because of not being able to bring everyone in a particular situation on board with an idea, but The Leader in Me has helped me realize that sometimes it is my thinking or actions that can bring about positive results which in turn will inspire others to join the initiative. “The Tradition of Caring” is a huge theme that needs to be discovered by every member of a school staff, sometimes with a little help and inspiration. What a difference we could make with the students of Blount County if every school would explore and expand their own traditions and made “The Tradition of Caring” the foundation of everything the school does.
ReplyDelete"The Tradition of Caring" This phrase should be the motto for education. Teachers and administrators care. A good test is when education is in proration as we are now, watch what the teachers and administrators do. I have seen countless numbers of times when a teacher has spent money out of their own pockets to buy supplies for the students. This does not happen in industry and this is evedidence that educators are some of the most carring folks in the world.
ReplyDelete"The Tradition of Caring" By building relationships with our stakeholders, this will allow them to see that we are interested in their lives inside and outside of school. As an administrator, I suppose that it would be easy to have the same no tolerance policy for every student regardless of backgrounds. Being positive and asking about each student's interest before you deal with the incorrect behavior will allow the principal to build a relationship with the students (ex. Brian Kirk's post). I believe that building relationships with the students, parents, and the faculty are extremely important. Good educators know that relationships are important and the great ones do it everyday.
ReplyDelete"Not One More Thing" is a phrase that becomes an instant feeling in people. When presenting a new idea, a person's body language says it all. One thing I have learned from the book and personal experience is that we need to realize that it is not "one more thing", but it is the "main" thing when implementing an idea. When teachers believe something is a "main" thing they do not feel it is another pointless task. As an administrator, I am going to work on trying to make teachers take ownership in new ideas and strategies.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, "caring" for my students is my first priority. Treating 6th grade students with respect seems to be a good way to show them that I care. While discussing topics in the classroom I strive to assure my students that their opinions are important and deserve to be heard. It seems that when I treat my students with a caring and respectful attitude, they in turn treat me with the same.
ReplyDelete"Not One More Thing", I hear this constantly regarding Special Education Laws and Regulations, but we must remember that it's "THE MAIN THING" for these special students who struggle.If we will do what is best for the child and prepare them to 'thrive' instead of just 'survive' then we are making leaders.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the "Tradition of Caring" is a big reason that we do what we do. Everyone one of us had a certain teacher that cared enough about us to help shape our future. I believe that we pass on that tradition by caring about our students today, about doing what is right, that is is a profession that offers far more than just a paycheck.
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting that most of the above comments were made on the topic of "caring" while a close second was "not one more thing". I believe that is the nature of educators. We gravitate toward the teaching field becuase we care about young people. I have often said teaching is not a profession, it is a mission. The best teachers I know were placed by God in this profession to serve as role models and advocates for children. Obstacles are placed in their path to doing this by the "one more things" we are asked to do. It is up to us to figure out how to do those "one more things" while keeping first things first."
ReplyDeleteHaving been a high school teacher, I thought I knew what caring was until I came to the elementary level, where teachers love their students like their own children. Knowing that many of my former students keep me involved in their lives makes me feel like they knew I cared, but I look back now and think I still could have done more. If I had read this book then, I know I would have tried harder to communicate my care and concern for them.
ReplyDeleteAs teachers, we often feel like we cannot handle one more thing, but that usually relates to paper work. I think most teachers want to be "modern day miracle workers" and many are successful even though they have many external forces pulling at them. Most of my teachers were caring people that left an indelible mark on me. I agree with many of the previous comments about the caring nature of most teachers. Good teachers do not allow the attitude of "Not One More Thing" to interfere with their plan to make a mark on society one child at a time.
ReplyDeleteThe "Tradition of Caring" statement emphasizes why many of us where lead to become educators. With so many problems are students face outside the school day, we can give them that sense of relief from their environmnet while giving them someone they know believes and cares about them.
ReplyDeleteYou can not teach and not be able to multi-task. We all have days that seem like the world is crashing in around you and you can't put our the fires fast enough. However, we all also have those days where everything seems to go just right. It is a give and take. All teachers know that their jobs include multiple duties. We all wear multiple hats. For the children we are teacher, administrator, counselor, mom/dad, friend. Added to that we are the record keeper, parking lot boss, PDA police, dress code cop, and copier repairman. Then just to keep it fun we are the accountants, book keepers, testers, planners, and sponsors. Then with all the free time that we have we are husbands/wives, fathers/mothers, bill payer, chaufer, sholder to cry on for our own children. In the time that I have used to write this blog I have been stopped four times, had two meetings, delt with five children, and talked to my wife on the phone.............
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is hard to think about doing one more thing. Our lives are a race to the next thing we have to do, that is why we must always think about the needs of our students and prioritize the most important.
ReplyDeleteWatching the work of Modern Day Miracle Workers each day. Teachers who care about each individual child and despite the amount of work that we add,(RTI, EDUCATEAlabama, and the minutia that goes with managing between 16 and 34 students daily), continue to help our children succeed. Celebrating the little victories and small steps that make the real difference in our student's lives. Those miracles happen every day in our schools, we just have to look for them.
ReplyDeleteWhen presenting a new strategy or procedure to teachers it is imperative that we pass along the benefits and importance of each task. We cannot support a "culture of indifference" within our schools, it becomes a cancer that takes over the "one more thing" and detracts from our "main thing", educating students.
ReplyDelete