Professional Ethics in Teaching
1. The Importance of Teaching in Society
Teaching, once an informal act of mercy, has evolved into a crucial profession. With the expansion of education, teachers play a vital role in equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world. Schools are expected to address societal challenges, from social inequalities to environmental awareness, highlighting the broad impact of education.
While critics like Ivan Illich question the effectiveness of formal schooling, it’s widely acknowledged that education is essential for personal and societal development. Teachers facilitate learning, fostering cognitive abilities and shaping attitudes that prepare students for adulthood, higher education, and professional life.
The role of teachers extends beyond simply transmitting knowledge. They contribute to the holistic development of individuals, nurturing their personal growth and preparing them for active participation in society. Although debates continue about the specific content and methods of education, the importance of teachers in shaping future generations remains undeniable.
2. Ethical Coordinates of the Teaching Profession
Herbert Spencer viewed the emergence of professions, including teaching, as an evolutionary step in the advancement of life. Teachers, through instruction and discipline, enhance students’ adaptability and ability to thrive. But what are the core ethical principles that guide the teaching profession?
a) The Principle of Beneficence
An ethical professional strives to do good within their field. For teachers, this means prioritizing the well-being and learning of their students. The intrinsic good of the teaching profession lies in fostering intellectual growth and empowering students to reach their full potential.
Ethical teaching involves fulfilling duties such as effective instruction, adapting teaching methods to student needs, and staying current in one’s field. It also requires upholding academic integrity and promoting critical thinking.
b) The Principle of Respect for Autonomy
Teachers must respect the autonomy of their students, recognizing them as individuals with rights and agency. While an initial asymmetry exists due to the teacher’s expertise and authority, this should not be exploited. Paternalism and attempts to exert undue influence are ethically unacceptable.
Students should be treated with respect, their voices heard, and their perspectives considered. The teacher’s role is to guide and facilitate learning, not to impose beliefs or control students’ development.
c) The Principle of Justice
Teachers operate within a complex system that includes schools, curricula, and societal expectations. They must navigate these structures fairly and advocate for equitable educational opportunities for all students. While individual teachers may have limited power to change societal inequalities, they can promote fairness within their classrooms and advocate for broader systemic change.
3. Profession and Vocation
The role of teachers is a subject of ongoing research and debate. ESTEVE and others highlight the potential for disillusionment among teachers due to the gap between idealistic training and the challenging realities of the profession. However, abandoning idealistic goals is not the solution.
Both initial teacher training and continuing professional development should emphasize the ethical dimensions of teaching. Teachers are not merely practitioners of a set of skills; they are individuals entrusted with the intellectual and personal development of their students.
Education is inherently a moral act, focused on the well-being and freedom of learners. Teachers have a responsibility to inspire students, foster collaborative leadership, and address the needs of both individuals and the community.
Codes of ethics for teachers reflect the values of the profession and provide guidance for ethical conduct in interactions with students, colleagues, institutions, and the wider community. Teachers are expected to uphold these principles, ensuring that their practice is grounded in scientific knowledge, ethical considerations, and a commitment to the betterment of their students and society.