Page 10 - Exploring Interprofessional Collaboration and Ethical Leadership

COLLEGE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS & ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS
Ethical Challenge One
Reflecting on Principles
An ethical challenge or dilemma
that I encountered in my professional practice involved my partner and me communicating a difference of opinion regarding the documentation of observed student learning to a parent during a meeting. This created tension in our relationship and contributed to the parent’s lack of confidence in us and the program.
After the meeting, it was evident that we needed to discuss the tension between
us, our difference in opinion and our subsequent actions. We came to realize that presenting differing views to the parent portrays a division within our early learning team. We referred to our professional ethical standards to identify the importance of trust, honesty and integrity. I explained how I enjoyed working with her and how it might be helpful to communicate with each other before presenting learning outcomes to parents.
Through this experience, I have
gained insight into the importance of co-constructing principles for collaborating with the early learning team and communicating with parents. Just as I do with my students, I learned the importance of formulating these principles at the
beginning of the school year with the early learning team. Our principles guide how we respect each other’s views while working through professional conflict. The principles also inform how we would communicate student learning outcomes with parents.
Also, I thought about what it means to
be a partner on a team. I feel that being a partner means being in relationship with others; it involves recognizing the strengths of others, as well as the strengths that we add to the relationship. I believe that when we focus on what each of us “can” bring to the relationship, the emphasis moves away from what we sometimes “do not.” There can be challenges in any relationship, but these challenges can be teachable moments that enable us to consider differing perspectives that can enhance practice.
In relation to being a partner in my school, I see myself as part of a team; it involves a collaboration of individuals with a shared vision and that work interdependently to achieve a common outcome. This embodies the values and principles conveyed in the professional ethical standards of both
the Ontario College of Teachers and the College of Early Childhood Educators.
7 EXPLORING INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION AND ETHICAL LEADERSHIP