Code of Ethics Deep Dive

Janessa Bechard

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs

Portfolio Entry for Wisconsin Teacher Standard Nine

EDUW 695 Ethics and Issues in Education

Kathi Stebbins-Hintz, J.D., Instructor

December, 2017

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Wisconsin Teaching Standard #9: Teachers are able to evaluate themselves. The teacher is a

reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his or her choices and actions on

pupils, parents, professionals in the learning community and others and who actively seeks out

opportunities to grow professionally.

Knowledge. The teacher understands methods of inquiry that provide him/her with a variety of

self assessment and problem-solving strategies for reflecting on his/her practice, its influences on

students' growth and learning, and the complex interactions between them.

Dispositions. The teacher recognizes his/her professional responsibility for engaging in and

supporting appropriate professional practices for self and colleagues.

Performances. The teacher seeks out professional literature, colleagues, and other resources to

support his/her own development as a learner and a teacher.

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 I have examined the Association of American Educators Code of Ethics for Educators.

According to their website, “The Association of American Educators (AAE) is the largest

national, non-union, professional educators’ organization, advancing the profession by offering a

modern approach to teacher representation and educational advocacy, as well as promoting

professionalism, collaboration, and excellence without a partisan agenda”. “This association

focuses on four basic principles relating to the rights of students and educators” (American

Educators Code of Ethics for Educators). I believe that the purpose of this code of ethics is

obvious. The AAE believes that the educator needs to make every effort to show the highest

ethical standards along with creating a beneficial learning environment for all students. I believe

that the fact that the AAE Code of Ethics also explains that every child has a right to an

uninterrupted education free from strikes of any other work stoppage tactics (American

Educators Code of Ethics for Educators) really speaks to their belief that unions are unnecessary.

I think there are some important parts of the AAE Code of Ethics. As I’ve seen in other

code of ethics, the teacher must protect the student from embarrassment, discipline as needed,

keep confidentiality, and present facts in an unbiased way. The code of ethics also explores how

the educator needs to continue professional growth, have mental health, and adhere to the terms

of their contract.

While I agree with most of the statements that the AAE Code of Ethics explores, I do

have some criticism. I believe in the need for unions. I believe that if there is a significant

problem that needs to be mended or changed, professionals should have the right to speak their

opinion which may result in a disruption to a school day. With that being said, I do think there

should be some stipulations. I don’t think the strike or other disruptions should affect multiple

days of school. I believe that there is a time and place for these disagreements and challenges.

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So, in short, disruptions may occur due to unionization but hindrance of student education should

be taken into consideration.

By reflecting on AAE Code of Ethics, I am able to think about a scenario that I

experienced last school year. A student was very unsafe and was in an undesired conversation

with me about a situation where he injured another student. He became upset and lunged towards

me and scratched my face and attempted to throw a chair at me. While this was occurring, there

were 21 other students in the classroom. This student who was in a elevated emotional state left

the classroom. The principal asked my opinion about what the next steps should be for this

student. She asked me if I believed he could come back into the classroom or if he needed to stay

in the “in school suspension” room for the remainder of the day. Thinking about the AAE Code

of Ethics, under Principal 1, the first subset states, ‘The professional educator deals considerately

and justly with each student, and seeks to resolve problems, including discipline, according to

law and school policy.” I explained to the principal that I think when his body is calm and ready

to reenter the classroom, that he should be with his classmates in the least restrictive

environment. I think the AAE Code of Ethics supports my decision to the ethical dilemma that I

experienced.

In conclusion, I think it’s very important to be aware of your personal code of ethics that

you follow. By exploring different code of ethics, it has helped me solidify my ethical decisions

that I have made in the past and will certainly help me make decisions in the future.

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 References

“Code of Ethics for Educators.” Association of American Educators, Association of American

Educators, 2017, www.aaeteachers.org/index.php/about-us/aae-code-of-ethics.

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