Week 29: Influence of Law and Ethics

Figure 1. Social media map infographic. (Education Council, n.d.)

A potential ethical dilemma that could take place within the teaching practice is the use of social networking sites. As social networking has become a way of life it is easy for people to share with the world what is happening on a day to day basis in their life. It is extremely important that as a figure in the public eye we monitor what we are putting, liking, sharing on our social networking sites. Along with these, we need to be mindful of those we are including in our space.

Although, I have thankfully never had an issue involving my career with the use of a social networking site. I would imagine there would be many issues amongst the teaching profession should teachers not take the right steps to protect themselves. I know of teachers who happily add ex-pupils and whanau to their personal accounts and others who keep their accounts private. This, of course, is a personal choice and one that teachers shouldn’t take lightly.

The Code of Professional Responsibility has been created to “set out the high standards of ethical behaviour expected of all members of the teaching profession. To provide learners, their families and whanau, their communities and the public with trust and confidence in teachers and the profession. To honour teaching as a profession of high trust and integrity.” (Education Council, 2017) It is important for teachers to reflect on the idea stated above when making decisions over what they do terms of their behaviour physically and digitally.  The value that reflects this idea also relates to our professional code, that value is ‘Pono.’ This means to act in ways that show fairness, honesty and integrity whilst also being ethical.

Hall (2001) has outlined a range of strategies and leading questions to follow when dealing with ethical dilemmas from identifying stakeholders to what courses of action may need to be taken. It is important for schools to outline a step by step process for dealing with these.  

It is important to remember that as teachers we consider role models in our communities and just by our title we need to be careful what we involve ourselves in especially online. I take my role as a teacher extremely seriously and are constantly reflect on my actions and how they may affect my career. As expressed by Allan (2008) teachers work publicly rather than privately and are required to be accountable for their actions to the public.

References

Education Council. (n.d). The Education Council Code of Ethics for Certificated Teachers. Retrieved from https://educationcouncil.org.nz/content/our-code-our-standards

Education Council. (n.d). Social media map infographic. Retrieved from https://teachersandsocialmedia.co.nz/

Hall, A. (2008). Professional Responsibility and Teacher Ethics. In C. McGee & D. Frasers. The Professional Practice of Teaching. (3^rd ed., pp. 221-244)

Hall, A. (2001). What ought I to do, all things considered? An approach to the exploration of ethical problems by teachers. Paper presented at the IIPE Conference, Brisbane. Retrieved from http://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Culture/Developing-leaders/What-Ought-I-to-Do-All-Things-Considered-An-Approach-to-the-Exploration-of-Ethical-Problems-by-Teachers