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PERSONAL ETHICS PAPER EDAS 740
Personal Ethics Paper
Samantha P. Schon
School of Education, Liberty University
PERSONAL ETHICS PAPER EDAS 740
Abstract
While there are several principles that middle school administrators should follow, To be an
effective school administrator, you should embody wisdom, effective communication, integrity,
understanding equity, and have the ability to empower the culture because all things encompassing
represent a Christian leader. Effective administrators must communicate clearly with the
community, staff, and students. Administrators should be understanding because of their wisdom
through past experiences. Christian administrators should show great integrity toward their moral
values and the values of the school. Quality administrators value each individual they serve and
have integrity for all individuals. Lastly, the school administrator gives empowerment to their staff
and students.
PERSONAL ETHICS PAPER EDAS 740
Wisdom
Wisdom is found through experience, education, hardship, and reflection. Proverbs 4
discusses knowledge in Christan Leaders. Christian leaders should deeply understand the
importance of gaining biblical awareness and wisdom. A leader can lead a life that walks in faith by
building biblical knowledge. Everything that is accomplished is owed to the lord. Probers 4:6-7
says, “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The
beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs
4:6-7). To gain wisdom in the education field. There have to be challenges that require the leader to
look back and reflect on every situation and student and find ways to learn from it.
By leading by example and putting yourself out there, you are demonstrating your ability to
be courageous and have a successful track record (Blackaby & Blackaby, 2011). To gain wisdom
and become wise, you must be learning, patient, and a part of the changing process. Proverbs 18:1
states, "Through desire a man having separated himself, seekth and intermeddleth with all wisdom"
(Provers 18:1). To be successful, you must be filled with knowledge and awareness. The
PowerPoint on basic biblical leadership principles described what it is like and what it means to be a
Christian leader. Christian leaders are constantly evolving and learning. This further supports the
absolute obedience to the Father's will. Christian leaders lean on the support of god but are also
willing to step outside their comfort zone and learn about the evolving process and procedures in
the education system. Leaders are required to gain more knowledge and wisdom about various
topics. However, each leader's knowledge and vision in either setting can differ.
Communication
Communication decides the flow of information and energy in a place. A great Christian
leader communicating with their followers will produce better results than a leader who withholds
and sugarcoats information. By working collaboratively, leaders can successfully resolve teacher
PERSONAL ETHICS PAPER EDAS 740
unhappiness by offering full support to their classrooms and recognizing the importance of staff
input and feedback on student progress and needs. Providing knowledge, sharing visions with staff,
and executing them together improve instruction and the school's overall culture (Harvey, 2013). A
valuable communication tool is allowing teachers and administrators the time to collaborate and
give feedback to one another in a non-evaluative way.
The prayer reflection assignment showed a change in a leader's communication style with
staff. There was a shift in how the principal's emails were structured. There were prayers made that
the principal would find peace and be able to teach his staff through God’s love. He posted a
Facebook status with the quote, “Great Leaders are great servants. They have a genuine concern for
the people they lead, and they are always looking for ways to make their people better” (Youtube,
2016). Servant leadership focuses on building up the well-being of those around them; the rest will
fall in place.
Administrators and professionals are responsible for communicating with families and
students. The Model Code of Ethics for Educators states, “Communicating with parents/guardians
in a timely, respectful, and culturally sensitive manner that represents the students’ best interests”
(MDCE, 2023). Middle school administrators must define the frequency and the amount of
communication given to students, staff, and guardians. The communication method must portray the
needs of the school community as individuals.
Integrity
Integrity is the foundation of all leadership. Leaders have to model a positive attitude for the
school community. Leaders set the tone and create expectations for the school's learning
environment. Honest and trustworthy leaders build productive and successful organizations in a
community setting. Staff and students thrive under leaders who set the environment up for success.
(Beccerra, 2022). Middle school administrators are most successful when they set up the school
PERSONAL ETHICS PAPER EDAS 740
with strict procedures and expectations. Through these school expectations, students understand
how they should carry themselves and how moral values should be continued to be developed.
Students and staff develop integrity through the excellent use of instilling moral values.
Integrity can be defined as acting in your own words. A leader that shows integrity should
be trustworthy, honest, and reliable. “Remember, people want to work for ethical leaders. With the
Great Resignation underway, building a foundation on solid principles and creating an environment
where everyone has a voice, ideas flourish, and all perspectives matter” (Becerra, 2022). As a
faithful person, there must be a deep understanding of being honest with god and your prayer.
Equity
In order to be a successful leader, you should understand equity. Equity is not creating equal
environments. It is working to provide opportunities for staff, students, and community members
that meet the needs of each individual. All attributes of students should be considered when making
decisions. Equity is taking the time to listen actively when speaking with all stakeholders. Christian
leaders should speak for themselves and share their experiences with others. To properly show
equity to everyone, a leader must stay engaged and involved in the process of change and
development for individuals. (Islandwood, n.d.)
Principle III of the Model Code of Ethics for Educators discusses the responsibilities to
students by educators. Professional educators must treat all students with dignity and respect
regardless of their differences. They should also work to establish appropriate verbal, physical,
emotional, and social boundaries. (MCEE, 2023). John 16:13 says, "When the Spirit of truth comes,
he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears
he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come" (John 16:13). As educators and
administrators, everyone is responsible for protecting students.
Empowerment
PERSONAL ETHICS PAPER EDAS 740
Christan leaders are visible to students and model positive behaviors. Students thrive when
they have positive role models that uplift and encourage them to be the best version of themselves.
A middle school administrator must understand each student's overall vision and goal. Each staff
member should feel empowered to take control of their classroom. Isaiah 41:10-13 says, “Fear not,
for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will
uphold you with my righteous right hand. Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to
shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall
seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be
as nothing at all. For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I
am the one who helps you” (Isaiah 41:10-13). Empowerment starts with the administrator. The
administer leads staff through training and offers support to become the best version of themselves.
Conclusion
Middle school administrators are courageous in their ability to be faithful while also being
quality professionals in the educational field. In order to be successful, administrators must follow
the educational principles to lead their team best. Christian leaders instill wisdom into the school
community, show integrity and equity to all their staff and students, and empower the community
through leadership. Christian leaders are constantly evolving and learning. This further supports the
absolute obedience to the Father's will. Leaders should obey and preserve everything the Father
reveals to them of his will. (Blackaby & Blackaby, 2011).
PERSONAL ETHICS PAPER EDAS 740
References
Becerra, I. (2022, September 9). Council post: The necessity of integrity for leading in times of crisis.
Forbes.https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/09/08/the-necessity-of
-integrity-for-leading-in-times-of-crisis/?sh=7159276512fd
Blackaby, H. & Blackaby, R. (2011). Spiritual leadership (Rev. ed.). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman
Pub. ISBN: 9781433669187.
Harvey, J., Cambron-McCabe, N., Cunningham, L. L., & Koff, R. H. (2013). The superintendent's
fieldbook: A guide for leaders of learning (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin. ISBN:
9781452217499.
Islandwood Core Campus. (n.d.).
https://islandwood.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IslandWood-Campus-Map_2020.pdf
National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. (n.d.). Model code
of ethics for educators (MCEE) documents - NASDTEC.
https://www.nasdtec.net/page/MCEE_Doc. https://www.nasdtec.net/page/MCEE_DOCS
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