Page 4 - Inquiring into the Ethical Dimensions of Professional Practice
P. 4
Exploring Ethical Professional Relationships: A Self-Reflective Resource
Introduction
Inquiring into the Ethical Dimensions of Professional Practice is intended to support educators in the inquiry and exploration of their own ethical stance, the ethical principles that are the foundation of their actions and the ethical decisions that are required to be made within practice.
The Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession are fundamental to ethical professional practice. Each ethical standard conveys the multi-dimensional nature and complexity associated with effective teaching and educational leadership. A key hallmark of ethically guided educators is a deep commitment to engaging in ongoing critical inquiry into practice. This ethical stance supports the embodiment of the four ethical standards: Care, Respect, Trust and Integrity (Ontario College of Teachers, 2006).
The Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession are: Care
The ethical standard of Care includes compassion, acceptance, interest and insight for developing students’ potential. Members express their commitment to students’ well-being and learning through positive influence, professional judgment and empathy in practice.
Respect
Intrinsic to the ethical standard of Respect are trust and fair-mindedness. Members honour human dignity, emotional wellness and cognitive development. In their professional practice, they model respect for spiritual and cultural values, social justice, confidentiality, freedom, democracy and the environment.
Trust
The ethical standard of Trust embodies fairness, openness and honesty. Members’ professional relationships with students, colleagues, parents, guardians and the public are based on trust.
Integrity
Honesty, reliability and moral action are embodied in the ethical standard of Integrity. Continual reflection assists members in exercising integrity in their professional commitments and responsibilities.
(Ontario College of Teachers, 2006)
2 Ontario College of Teachers
