Activity 12: Code of Ethics

Create a blog post where you investigate the ​code of ethics’ principles ​relate to your teaching profession. Think about how these principles govern your practice.

There are 4 key principles that underpin teachers professional interactions.

Figure 1: Balancing the key principles (Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand). 

• Autonomy - to treat people with rights that are to be honoured and defended
• Justice - to share power and prevent the abuse of power
• Responsible care - to do good and minimise harm to others
• Truth - to be honest with others and self.

Q - In your opinion are ethical codes of conduct reflective of societal norms or essential principles of humanity?

A - I believe that ethical codes of conduct are reflective of both societal norms and the essential principles of humanity.

Developments in the social sciences and humanities often mirror social change (Collste, 2012). For example: the introduction of the social media. At first, people were not concerned with what they posted online. However as the frequency and accessibility to personal information increased, so did the invasion of privacy. The use of social media raises many ethical issues, as the social  environment has changed. As technology rapidly develops, and accessibility of information across the globe increases, so too will societal norms.

Ethical codes are also reflective of the essential principles of humanity as moral actions should be based judgments and decisions, that when compared with other alternatives, increase the amount of pleasure or decrease the amount of pain the in world (Collste, 2012).

The essential principles of humanity remain the same, however societal norms change. Therefore, it is important to reflect on and collaborate within professions to ensure ethical codes reflect both areas of societal norms and humanity.

Q - What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a Code of Ethics?

Advantages

Disadvantages

Provides a common goal for the profession. Develops a community of professionals. Guides professionals when facing difficult moral decisions. A useful reference point for professionals wanting to act in a morally correct manner. A way to improve the professional ethical standard. Protects the interests of the profession. Creates an atmosphere of respect, trust and confidence. Sets a common moral ground.

Every employee needs to be onboard. Moral judgments can vary between individuals based on societal influences. Code of Ethics need to be enforced if misconduct occurs. Little knowledge or understanding of the Code of Ethics by the profession.

Figure 2: Table showing the advantages and disadvantages of having a Code of Ethics.

Clearly, in a professional context, it is advantageous to have a Code of Ethics in order to protect the profession and what they stand for.

Q - In your own field to what degree are ethics concerned to protect individual rights and to what degree do they exist to minimise organisational risk? How is the balance between the two distributed?

A - In New Zealand education, the interests of the learners is the main priority. “The primary professional obligation of registered teachers is to those they teach” (Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand). This is evident in the Code of Ethics goal of:

"Teachers registered to practise in New Zealand are committed to the attainment of the highest standards of professional service in the promotion of learning by those they teach, mindful of the learner’s ability, cultural background, gender, age or stage of development."

- Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

However, as well as having a commitment to their learners, teachers also have a commitment to:

• parents/guardians and family/whanau
• society
• the profession

Reflective professional discussion in consultation with these groups (as well as the learners) is vital to ensure that the best interests of the learners are maintained.

The Code of Ethics within the profession are quite clear. Teachers have a commitment to parents/guardians and family/whanau by ensuring that they collaborate with and encourage parental/family involvement in their child’s education. Teachers also need to be respectful of privacy and parental authority.

Teachers demonstrate a commitment to society through building trust and responsibility, alongside the expectation of preparing students for life in society.

The final commitment through the Code of Ethics is for teachers to be committed to the profession through maintaining and raising professional standards, exercising professional judgement and attracting similar people to the profession.

As a teacher (and professional), I adhere to this Code of Ethics daily. In my 7 years of teaching, the rights of students, families and colleagues have been protected with minimal organisational risk because of this Code and my own moral decisions and actions.  


References:

Collste, G. (2012). Applied and Professional Ethics. Kemanusiann, 19(1), 17-33.

Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (n.d) Ethical Decisions. Retrieved from http://www.educationcouncil.org.nz/content/ethical-decisions