Ethics: When you teach . . .

Who are you? What are your responsibilities? Who are children, to you?

Last night a group of people who want to change education grilled me for two hours about what it means to be a good teacher, how I believe children should be treated, the way an administrator should work with teachers and treat children. These are not idle question. They are in the thoughts and hearts of people all across the country.

Education is the one experience we all have in common. Education is the vision that brings people to our country. We hold forth the idea that all children are equal when they enter the classroom. Now, realistically, they are not really equal. They do not have the same level of intelligence, the same kinds of gifts for learning or thinking, the same talents or abilities. So what do we mean when we say they are equal? This question, and how you live with it and put it into practice will define your classroom.

How should children be treated? This one is so simple and so complex. How should a husband or wife be treated? We know that there are hidden layers of reality in this one. How should parents raise children? What do you espouse, and how do you live those beliefs?

These are some of the great paradoxes of human beingness. Look at the racks of cards for Valentine's Day and you will see what we want to do and believe about those who are beloved. Then walk to the news rack and read what those same people who ought and sent those cards at one time, did to each other that made the news.

I never met a teacher who said, upon leaving our classes - "I'm going to be HELL on Wheels!" "Did you ever have a bad teacher? Well, I'll put that one to shame!"

Like you, they leave wanting to make a difference , hoping to be the special teacher they never had, for the next generation of youth...or hoping to share the experience of that mentor teacher who turned the world into a more special place because of the love, concern and depth of belief in a student. So how do those dedicated, optimistic people turn into Tasmanian Devils? How does that hopeful scene at the alter turn into a divorce? How do children who are wanted and planned for and hoped for turn into cases or abuse or neglect?

We are human! I have the very best of intentions, but I make mistakes, and I get cranky, and I say things I am ashamed about, but not at the moment I utter them - later when I hear how they sound. I am human, and I want to be the best - the very best possible teacher, but there are things I don't know and students who push me beyond my expertise or who find my crazy buttons and play them like a keyboard.

SO - I set up a plan. I have certain beliefs that keep me safe. I have a line I will not cross...and I set it up before someone pushed me to the place where I might cross it. Those deeply held beliefs and how they translate to actions are my ethics. Those are the things I use to define my behavior. That is how I "walk my talk."

What are yours? This is the time and place to decide. You may already know - and if you do, write them down. Then go out and talk to that mentor teacher you honor and adore. Let that person share stories with you and reality test some of your thoughts.

Listen to some of the ideas of those who you do not respect for the way they treat youngsters. You may find some of the places that your plan is weak. They probably felt slammed, hurt or cornered by a student and became defensive, grabbed for a way to protect themselves and lost sight of what they were going to do and who they were going to become.

Try to keep those thoughts and ideas global. My basic beliefs are pretty short.

Do no harm.

Believe the best of the person.

Respect and honor others.

Be all you are and do what is possible - then enlarge the possibilities.

. . . and they are not contingent on another person. They are mine, and it is up to me to honor them, no matter what happens.

Remember Lizzie? This is a place where the child has not been ---- "take care that peace and tranquility are your goal."

Your ethics are not about what you will believe once things are not going well. They are not about how to get back control - unless you mean control of yourself. They are not about getting even or saving face. Maybe in the next course we can sponsor the ministry of defense and have a war room. (Joke!)

This is much more critical, really. Socrates was willing to give up his life before he would give up his beliefs about teaching. That is what is being asked of you. Address those things now - begin to formulate and hone expectations for yourself. As you enter the classroom. What will you hold dear? Who do you believe teachers to be?

Collect a for completing this reading!

Go on to Assignment 1
or
Go back to Integration & Creation Entrance

Course Created by J'Anne Ellsworth & Center for Technology Enhanced Learning

Copyright © 2001 Northern Arizona University
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED