1P00CZ90: Value Competence (Blog-4)

Acknowledge the school’s values and the teacher's ethical principles in my own studies and in teaching

Acknowledging the school’s values and ethical principles of teaching is a part of my studies and at the same time defines future teaching practices. Ethical consideration in education harmonizes well with qualities like integrity, respect, and fairness, that also are part of core values of vocational and higher education. AACTE (2018) emphasized that educators should be knowledgeable regarding ethical frameworks that would assist them in performing their professional duties with integrity and in a manner that upholds student dignity. Throughout my teacher education, I always try to emulate these ethical principles because, by the very nature of what I am-a teacher-my actions will influence anything related to the learning environment but also the very set of values which will be instilled in each of my students.

One good Finnish example that would entail all of these values is the "Finnish National Core Curriculum" by Finnish National Agency for Education, 2016, which has laid an emphasis on inclusivity, equity, and the wellbeing of all learners. To act educationally with commitment to these values means to act inclusively, showing respect for diversity in views and being transparent in communications. NEA (2020) calls teachers to foster a relationship of mutual trust and responsibility and reinforce the importance of ethical conduct in teaching. Such a commitment is implemented through my interaction with colleagues and students by modeling constant and caring concern for fairness and the progress of each member. Through the embracement of such values within all the activities that involve education, I am aware that I will not only be discharging professional roles but also contributing to a culture of best practice which will have an echo with my students when they grow older. Commitment to ethical behavior is an ingredient to the nurturing of a supportive and enriching learning environment.

References:

• American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE). (2018). The Role of Ethics in Teacher Preparation. https://aacte.org/2018/

• Finnish National Agency for Education. (2016). Finnish National Core Curriculum for Basic Education. https://www.oph.fi/en/education-and-qualifications/national-core-curriculum-primary-and-lower-secondary-basic-education

• National Education Association (NEA). (2020). Code of Ethics of the Education Profession. https://www.nea.org/resource-library/code-ethics-educators