In this blog post I will investigate the code of ethics principles, relate it to my teaching.
Teachers resisted to practice in New Zealand are committed to the standards of professional service to best teach the children that sit before them. This professional code is collaborated with learners, parents, colleagues and the community you serve. It upholds the professional to reflect on the learner's ability, culture, gender, age and development.
The Code of Ethics of New Zealand teachers is governed by four principles:
-Autonomy to treat people with rights.
- Justice to share power
- Responsible care meaning to do good to others and not harm
- Truth to be honest with yourself and others
The Code of Ethics also upholds the Treaty of Waitangi and reflect and make decisions based around the "rights and aspirations of Maori as tangata whenua." (New Zealand Teachers Council, 2004, para. 4)
There are 4 codes that professionals need to relate to. I will explain each code and relate it to my teaching practice.
1- Commitment to learners.
"The primary professional obligation of registered teachers is to those they teach. Teachers nurture the capacities of all learners to think and act with developing independence, and strive to encourage an informed appreciation of the fundamental values of a democratic society." (New Zealand Teachers Council, 2004, para. 5)
Teachers must create professional relationships with learners, knowing what makes each child tick and their interests. Knowing learners and participating in professional development about curriculum needs of those they teach. Support learners in a holistic view and cater to all needs of the learner.
2. Commitment to parents/guardians and whanau/family.
"Teachers recognise that they work in collaboration with the parents/guardians and family/whānau of learners, encouraging their active involvement in the education of their children. They acknowledge the rights of caregivers to consultation on the welfare and progress of their children and respect lawful parental authority, although professional decisions must always be weighted towards what is judged to be the best interests of learners." (New Zealand Teachers Council, 2004, para. 7)
Teachers must work with parents when making decisions regarding their childs learning. We must form a professional relationship with parents and by honest when reporting. It is important that we respect the privacy of parents and their child.
3- Commitment to society
"Teachers are vested by the public with trust and responsibility, together with an expectation that they will help prepare students for life in society in the broadest sense." (New Zealand Teachers Council, 2004, para. 9)
Teachers jobs don't just belong in the classroom. This ethic relates to the social justice of some students and putting in place support that promotes equality of opportunity. Teach morals that uphold society. This relates to applied ethics in the classroom.
3- Commitment to the profession.
"In the belief that the quality of the services of the teaching profession influences the nation and its citizens, teachers shall exert every effort to maintain and raise professional standards, to promote a climate that encourages the exercise of professional judgement, and to achieve conditions which attract persons worthy of trust to careers in education." (New Zealand Teachers Council, 2004, para. 11)
This relates to Collste (2012) paper on professional ethics. It upholds the teaching profession and the behaviour of other teachers. It is about supporting new teachers to the profession and continuing professional development. This codes relates to the law and upholding the policy of society.
So why do we need a code of ethics?
"Codes of conduct offer an invaluable opportunity for responsible organizations to create a positive public identity for themselves which can lead to a more supportive political and regulatory environment and an increased level of public confidence and trust among important constituencies and stakeholders." (Ethics Resource Center, 2012, para 5)
How do these Codes of Ethics Govern the Teaching Profession?
I believe that the codes of ethics set by the Teachers Council allow all teachers to uphold and understand the value of teaching. I believe its important for society that professions like law, medicine and teaching (all fundamental professions of a well balanced society) have a code of ethics they must adhere to. It provides a sense of trust in such an important professional. This meaning that best practice is provided and there is a protection of students, family and myself. It hold accountability and sets expectation for all practitioners.
References
Ethics Resource Center, 2012 ,Why Have a Code of Ethics.
Retrieved from - http://www.ethics.org/resource/why-have-code-conduct
New Zealand Teachers Council. (2004). Code of Ethics for Registered Teachers. Retrieved from http://www.educationcouncil.org.nz/required/ethics/codeofethics.stm
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