According to any ethical code for the teaching profession ever made, teachers are obligated to conduct themselves based on the ideals of their profession. The word ‘obligation’ makes it mandatory for teachers to stick to the imposed dos and don’ts. Since we are decoding the ethical code for teachers, it is important to understand that there are some basic features of ethics that make them easy to follow. Thankfully, these features or principles take them away from being a compulsion. Let’s decode the code, shall we?
When Mr C became a teacher, he promised himself that he would ensure holistic development of his learners. He is committed to that objective till date. He did not even have to look at the code to understand the norms that define teaching and learning. He saw teaching as his moral responsibility that helped him make decisions that benefitted his learners.
Ethical Code is all about demonstrating commitment towards the teaching profession.
Mr C would often engage in reflective practices to analyse his strengths and weaknesses, his teaching philosophy, his relationships with students, parents, colleagues and seniors. He would constantly observe the reactions and responses of the learners who gauge their understanding and then adapt to meet their needs.
Ethical Code is all about understanding and analysing ourselves and constantly adapting to the demands of the teaching profession.
Mr C possesses a scientific mindset. He doesn’t reject ideas just because they don’t match his beliefs and doesn’t accept them without posing questions. He stays impartial when resolving conflicts and talks logically. He doesn’t favour one individual over another and this attitude is seen when he corrects papers as well. He doesn’t believe in judging learners. For him, every learner is the same. He understands that they are at different learning levels, have different needs and preferences but at the end of the day, they are all his learners. They all deserve to learn.
Ethical Code is all about maintaining objectivity to make ethical and effective judgements and decisions related to the teaching profession.
People vouch for Mr C’s honesty. He upholds the dignity of his profession at all times. He refrains from talking ill of anybody, even when he’s angry. He keeps confidential information to himself. Students find it easy to share their “secrets” with him. Mr C helps them manage their physical, mental, social, emotional and intellectual selves. As a result, his students always perform up to their potential.
Ethical Code is all about maintaining honesty, respect, and dignity of the teaching profession.
Mr C is the sole bread earner in a family of 5. His income is important to him. But he always remembers the reason he became a teacher– because it is a noble profession. The code of ethics is a reminder of the fact that teaching is a profession that goes beyond the concept of employment. It is a responsibility of shaping the future of children and that of the nation. He knows that if he puts pressure on his learners, they can get compelled to cheat, but if he encourages them to learn and instils values in them, they won’t feel the need to cheat. So, he chooses to motivate them rather than pressurising them.
Ethical Code is all about believing that the teaching profession goes beyond the concept of livelihood.
When we understand and apply these principles in our lives, we do not need to feel compelled to follow the Ethical Code. It comes naturally to us, as is the case with Mr C.
If you want to dive deeper into this area of teaching and learning, please feel free to check out our course on Ethics and Values.
