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Running Head: PERSONAL ETHICS PAPER
Principles and Ethics for Elementary Educators
Rebecca Peeler
Liberty University
I changed a lot of the quotes and fixed code of ethics. The stuff that was highlighted on the 75%
report were quotes and the code of ethics. The SafeAssign percentage became 100% due to
multiple submissions
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Abstract
An educator should possess and demonstrate several characteristics that will lead them to show
their ethical behavior while they work with students. Each educator should develop ethics that
are personal and individual to them that will show which principles are important and define
their leadership type. Leadership is an always changing role that varies depending on the
situation that may arise, changes in life that are personal to the individual, and changes due to
district regulations changes. An emphasis on integrity, responsibility, vision, attitude, equity,
discipline, communication, rewards are evidenced in the various situations that are presented.
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North Carolina Code of Ethics
Every state has a code of ethics for teachers that is designed to list their responsibilities in
order to protect the right of students. When accepting a teaching position, it is important that
teachers understand and agree to their states code of ethics completely. Teachers should strive to
maintain a commitment to uphold the code of ethics. North Carolina’s code of ethics is broken
down into three different sections.
The first section of the North Carolina code of ethics is commitment to the student. There
are 6 different requirements for teachers under this section. The first requirement says that
teachers should protect their students from any and all conditions that could hurt the health or
safety of the students. The second requirement is to maintain an appropriate relationship with
students in and out of the school building. The third requirement is to assign students grades
based on their performance and abilities in the classroom. The fourth requirement is to have
disciplinary consequences for students that are not embarrassing for them. The fifth requirement
is to only use confidential information about students for professional reasons. The sixth and
final requirement in this section says that teachers are not to accept any type of gift or favor that
might be seen used to alter professional decisions; such as, changing a grade or allowing students
to be on a team.
The second section of the North Carolina code of ethics is commitment to the school and
the school system. There are 5 different requirements for teachers under this section. The first
requirement is to create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning by utilizing all the
available resources possible. The second requirement is to acknowledge the diversity of the
students and families within your classroom and allow them to work collaboratively to reach
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their individual learning goals. The third requirement is to sign the contract with the intentions to
uphold all of the code of ethics and their professional duties. The fourth requirement is to
participate in profession decision making that will support the educational profession. The fifth
and final requirement in this section says that if you’re in an administrative position then you
will consistently show fairness across the board with all colleagues, students and their families.
You will also evaluate each educator using the same regulations and guidelines. You will protect
the privacy and right of everyone without intimidating or persuading them in any way. Any
promotions or transferred should be recommended based on the individual’s professional
qualification.
The third section of the North Carolina code of ethics is commitment to the profession.
There are 3 different requirements for teachers under this section. The first requirement is to
providing employment and licenses based on accurate credentials. The second requirement is to
take the appropriate action when a violation of the North Carolina code of ethics is made. The
third and final requirement in this section is to seek opportunities for growth in the profession
that will better improve the education of students and colleagues.
Leadership
You need a solid foundation in ethics for all that you do. A solid foundation will help
guide your decision making for every situation and proposal for achieving your goals. If you do
not know what it is you are believing, how can you be sure that you are believing anything at all
(Tillson, 2011). Numerous secular philosophies and ethics determined that the individual person
is to determine what is right and what is wrong in their lives. This assumes that the instincts of
human nature are to be good and make all decisions to be fair for all of mankind.
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When looking back into our historical patterns, we see a parade of dictators and other
types of negative leaders who set their own standards of ethics based on what they believed was
the right idea. Leaders are human and are flawed we need to consider another standard, other
than human relativism of philosophies and theories (Gates, 2011).
Values
Values are what give us direction and focus; they also guide our actions (Dufresne &
McKenzie, 2009). Rebore, (2001) defines values as being: qualities that shaped the very core of
who we are, flexible and adaptable to the situation in which the person must act and shape our
inclinations and dispositions to behave a certain way. He continued to list four virtues: prudence,
justice, fortitude, and temperance.
Being prudence is being cautious which will ensure that all decision making will
incorporate your memory, prudence, foresight, and imagination. A leader should recall their own
experiences and experiences of others to help develop a solution to a problem. It is good to show
justice to make sure that everyone in each situation is being treated equally. This will ensure that
a fair and respectful atmosphere will occur. Fortitude is having virtue that is built around your
own personal strengths. Leaders need push their fears to the side in order to stand up and do the
right thing. Temperate will allow yourself to create a good balance between the responsibilities in
your own life; such as, work, family and time for yourself.
Integrity
Proverbs says, “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, LORD, is
in you”. A leaders’ actions should mirror their own beliefs and values, this is proof that they
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have integrity. People will follow those that they believe have integrity. A leader should be
consistent in every situation under every circumstance of their life. A leader should be able to
hold onto their integrating at all time, even under negative circumstances. Leaders with integrity
possess the ability to influence others (Blackaby & Blackaby, 2011 p. 165).
Responsibility
Responsibility means helping others rather than hurting them, that we are dependable, we
keep our commitments, we show honesty and fairness, tolerance, prudence, self-discipline,
compassion, cooperation, and encourage (Van Brummelen, 2002). Everyone has a responsibility
for someone else. A superintendent is responsible for all school administrators. School
administrators and supervisors are responsible for their schoolhouse and all the employees with
it. They are responsible for keeping them safe and creating a caring and passionate workplace.
When the employees feel safe at work they will be encouraged to collaborate and cooperate to all
responsibilities asked of them. This responsibility will create a snowball effect onto each
individual’s worth to the school system. The educator is responsible for their students. School
were created to provide knowledge and skills to all children, without students a school system
would have no purpose. Just like our administrative staff and instructors, we need to respect the
difference in our students’ experiences and knowledge (Rebore, 2001). Learning is mutual in the
classroom; students are there to learn, but a teacher can also learn from their students as well.
Learning
Vision/Goal
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A vision is what organizes and drives someone to fulfill their goal. Once the leader
obtains a clear vision or goal, they can get others on board and empower them to help be
committed to their vision. There may be times that a leader needs to readjust or rethink his vision
due to a change in plans or situations (Blackaby & Blackaby, 2011).
Power
Rebore (2001) lists six types of power: inspirational power, charismatic power, expert
power, persuasive power, knowledge power, and coercive power. Inspirational power how well a
leader can influence others. This is the type of leader everyone strives to be. Charismatic power
is how someone articulates themselves and it is different for each individual. Expert power is
when individuals use their talents are expertise in order to be useful to others. Persuasive power
is how a leader can manipulats rewards in order to accomplish goals. Knowledge power is
keeping the knowledge to themselves and having control over the situation. Coercive power is
when you play on one’s fear. This shouldn’t be used frequently; it should be considered someone
last resort.
Authority
Leadership is essentially focused on people and relationships (Begley and Stefkovich,
2007). In order for a leader to be effective they must divide up responsibilities based on
individuals’ strengths. Effective leadership strives to empower other individuals and by doing so,
will increase their sphere of influence (Blackaby, & Blackaby, 2011). Delegation of decision-
making may include others in the decision-making process and in doing so may help both the
individual and the organization to become more effective and productive (Mirk, 2011). An
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organization becomes stronger when the leader delegates authority and decision making to
members of the team. In the event a leader is incapacitated or no longer is available the school
will continue without interruption (Rebore, 2001).
There may also be times that the leader is the only one that can make a critical decision
and many people will be expecting them to make the right choice. A leader’s vision comes first.
A leader should decide their decision and then stand by it. They must accept any and all
consequences to their choice and admit if they make a mistake. We are all human and mistakes
will happen.
Attitude
Having a positive and encouraging attitude is extremely important for a leader. If the
leader isn’t confident and positive, then no one will respect or follow. Many people look to their
leaders for setting the character or the mood of the organization (Robicheau, 2011). Enthusiasm
can help people get excited about a new idea and be more inclined to follow through. Attitude
may also include having a sense of humor which, in some very difficult situations, could ease
tension and give people a new perspective (Blackaby, & Blackaby, 2011).
Wisdom
Educators and leaders are so much more than just teachers. They are also counselors,
caretakers and friends. Some days are crazy and full of fights, tears and laughter, but the one
constant is students seeking wisdom. This is a characteristic that students possess that allows
effective leaders to encourage students to empower themselves to grow over the course of the
school year.
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PERSONAL ETHICS PAPER
Proverbs 8: 1-11 states “Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her
voice? On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takers her stand; beside the gates
leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud: To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to
all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain prudence; you who are
foolish, set your hearts on it. Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak
what is right. My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. All the words of my
mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. To the discerning all of them are
right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge. Choose my instruction instead of
silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing
you desire can compare with her.”
Praise
Praises can be used to affect positive changes in individuals and their performance
(Blackaby, & Blackaby, 2011). Praise is a priceless tool because it can completely change
someone’s mood, motivate them to keep moving and can influence them to go above and
beyond. Praise should be given often when it is deserved and should be done in public
(Robicheau, 2011).
Communication
One of the most important aspects of being an effective leader is communication. It is
essential for a leader to get their message out to others with a minimal amount of
misunderstandings to avoid any complications. Communications needs to be timely and, most
TTT?
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importantly, well thought out (Blackaby, & Blackaby, 2011). Timely responses could mean right
away or could mean to wait, gather your thought and then respond depending on the issue.
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References
Begley, P. T., & Stefkovich, J. (2007). Integrating values and ethics into post-secondary teaching
for leadership development: Principles, concepts, and strategies. Journal of
Educational Administration, 45(4), 398-412
Blackaby, H., & Blackaby, R. (2011). Spiritual leadership: Moving people on to God. Nashville,
TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Dufresne, P., & McKenzie, A. S. (2009). A Culture of ethical leadership. Principal Leadership,
10(2), 36-39
Gates, B. (2011). "Doing God" in ethics and education: A play in five acts. Journal of Moral
Education, 40(3), 309-317
Mirk, P. (2011). Building cultures of integrity: The small choices education leaders make can
advance districtwide ethics powerfully and positively. School Administrator,
68(8) 22-26
Rebore, R. W. (2001). The ethics of educational leadership. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-
Hall Inc.
Robicheau, J. W. (2011). Ethical leadership: What is it really? AASA Journal of Scholarship &
Practice, 8(1), 34-42 Retrieved from http://www.aasa.org/publications/jsp.cfm
Tillson, J. (2011). In favour of ethics education, against religious education. Journal of
Philosophy of Education, 45(4) 675-688
Van Brummelen, H. (2002). Steppingstones to curriculum, (2nd ed.). Colorado Springs, CO:
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Purposeful Design Publications.
