ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS REFLECTION 1

Ethical Considerations Reflection

Kim Eschler

EDU315

April 12, 2012

Stephan Burnside

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS REFLECTION 2

Ethical Considerations Reflection

Throughout history, from ancient Egypt to royal families of Europe, teachers and

educators have been regarded as some of the most valuable individuals to have on

staff. These roles have been filled by people who longed to make a difference and

enlighten others. With the power of educating others comes accountability like no other

profession. When it comes to accountability and ethical considerations, teaching in the

21st century is no different. This short paper will cover the primary ethical consideration

for teachers in K-8 educational setting by way of rules, love of the job, role models, and

rapport.

Primary Ethical Consideration for Teachers in K-8 Educational Setting

Rules

Teachers are held to a higher standard. Testing, background checks, ongoing

education, and yearly in class reviews are just a few requirements that must be met.

Teaching is a profession that not just anyone can or should be allowed in. To protect

students and set expectations of qualified teachers many standards, policies and codes

have been put in place.

The five Utah Standards for Educators are clear and specific. Standards are set

for each Utah school district to build ethic policies for their teachers and staff they

employ. Beyond the Utah Standards is the Utah Administration Code, in which the Utah

Standards are further clarified and consequences are outlined.

Love of the Job

The rules set forth by the United States Government, the State of Utah, and

individual districts can all be found on the Internet. These documents are available for a

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS REFLECTION 3

potential teacher to review and understand what is expected, before schooling is

complete. Anyone with the desire to become a teacher and cannot see themself

following these standards, knows upfront, this might not be the job for her. In Utah the

starting pay is one of the lowest in the United States. The amount of money spent per

student is the lowest in the United States. To become a teacher in Utah is for the love of

the job and for the chance to make a difference in the life of others. Without this strong

love it could be too much following the moral character, professional conduct, and

consistently proving to parents and administrations one is fit to teach.

Role Model and Rapport

In the five Utah Standards for Educators, students are the reason for the job.

Create and maintain a positive classroom environment that promotes learning, planning

curriculum to enhance learning, engaging and supporting all students in learning,

assessing and evaluate learning, and demonstrate professionalism to support learning.

These standards do not end when the bell rings, for a teacher to be professional at all

times continues into her personal life. Being a role model happens even when no one is

looking.

Building rapport with a student is the most valuable asset a teacher has. A

teacher can be a strong role model, but without each student feeling he or she have a

connection with that teacher, the opportunity to make the learning environment the

strongest it could be, will be lost. All five of the Utah Standards are built around the

student. If a lesson is built around knowing and understanding each student’s different

learning needs, assessment needs, interests, concerns, and emotional needs, that

student will feel cared for and want to learn. Student with difficulties will strive a little

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS REFLECTION 4

more to show effort for approval because the teacher cares. A teacher, who takes pride

in the rapport with her students will look for differentiated lessons, will sign up for that

workshop to learn one more way to teach a topic, and use that drive to improve her

students’ experience.

Conclusion

Throughout history teachers have been sought after, and watched over. Anyone

with so much influence over another has a higher standard to live by. Rules are set forth

by governing parties to protect students, employees, and school districts to help enforce

the higher expectations. For a teacher to be the best she can be for a K-8 student, living

the life of a role model and paying attention to each student as a person, building that

rapport will help all the standards and rules fall right into place.

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References

Utah Department of Administrative Services (2012) Rule R277-515. Utah Educator

Standards. Retrieved on April 8, 2012 from

rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r277/r277-515.htm

Utah Foundation (2008) What can $3,702 Buy? Retrieved on April 8, 2012 from

utahfoundation.org/img/pdfs/rr686.pdf

Utah State Office of Education (n.d.) Utah Professional Teacher Standards

Continuum Of Development. Retrieved on April 8, 2012 from

schools.utah.gov/cert/DOCS/ProfDev/StandardContinuum.aspx