Page 6 - Exploring Ethical Professional Relationships

Professional Relationships
The concept of professional boundaries is also included as another area of inquiry for educators. The last section of this resource invites educators to identify challenges, dilemmas or issues associated with professional relationships that they have experienced within the context of their practice. These challenges and issues can also be valuable sources of inquiry for educators.
Exploration into the tensions and dilemmas associated with these challenges can help to foster the ethical knowledge and action of educators. Additional insight and enhanced perspectives can be gained through critically reflecting on and exploring the complex and multifaceted dimensions associated with fostering and sustaining the ethical standards, Care, Respect, Trust and Integriy in all professional relationships as a member of the teaching profession.
Fostering Ethical Spaces
Establishing and sustaining ethical spaces and cultures within classrooms and schools is a moral imperative
of the teaching profession. Educators critically reflect and continually inquire as to importance and nature of ethical spaces within their professional practice. The ongoing process of creating and sustaining ethical spaces and cultures within schools is a shared responsibility. Ethical spaces and cultures foster positive professional relationships that reflect the ethical standards: Trust, Respect, Integrity and Care and supports students’ well-being and learning.
Educators who collaboratively and respectfully foster ethical spaces and cultures within schools cultivate relationships based on ethical inquiry, dialogue and the professional ethical standards. These processes, relationships and ethical spaces empower educators to respond effectively and relationally to ethical challenges and dilemmas.
4 Ontario College of Teachers