Ethics & Role of the Teacher Ethics & Role of the Teacher Ethics & Role of the Teacher by: Roderick Laurie Natia McCreary Meredith Murrell Sabrina Rockemore “Teachers are cultural organizers, cultural mediators and orchestrates of social contexts for learning.”

Ethics What are Ethics? Ethics is defined as the motivation based on ideas of right and wrong. They are the rules of standards governing the conduct of a person or the conduct of the members of a profession. The study of the general nature of morals and of the specific moral choices to be made by a person; moral philosophy.

Ethics Sunshine State Standards: -Makes reasonable effort to protect students from conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student’s mental and/or physical health and/or safety. -Does not unreasonably restrain a student from pursuit of learning. -Does not unreasonably deny student access to diverse points of view. -Maintains honesty in all professional dealings.

Role of the Teacher What is a role? The characteristic and expected social behavior of an individual. A socially prescribed pattern of behavior usually determined by an individual’s status in a particular society. The actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group; “the function of a teacher”

Role of the Teacher Sunshine State Standard: -Develops and expands strategies that are effective in fulfilling the role of student advocate and is familiar with the laws and court- ordered Consent Decrees which assure the rights of students. -Provide meaningful feedback on student progress to students and families and seeks assistance for self and families. -Uses continuous quality improvement techniques in school improvement efforts.

Tips/Guiding Principles Teachers must be competent in understanding the dynamics and use of culture in their classroom. Daily classroom activities should facilitate learning environments that reflect cultural and ethnic diversity while also promoting academic achievement for all. Students from different ethnic groups should be able to voice their cultural expression in order to enhance content and the learning process.

Tips/Guiding Principles cont’d Role of a Teacher Demonstrates understanding of the role of the teacher as a guide and leader. Model appropriate behavior as a teacher. Consider instruction. Use specific directions at appropriate times. Serve as a guide to student development and understanding skills.

Current Issues An ethical issue involving FAMU students today is FAMU not living up to its best HBCU standards. In a recent issue of the Famuan, article entitled “FAMU not living up to ‘Best HBCU’ standards” by Kelli Robinson she talks about why FAMU is not living up to its name. She believes that “FAMU can achieve its status as the best HBCU again, if the attitude of the University’s administration changes.” She says that “instead of being greeted with friendly helpful faces, I’m greeted with long lines, bad attitudes and snide comments.” She is not trying to say that all faculty members and Florida A&M are like this but a good majority of them. She believes that “the faculty and staff of FAMU should do all that it can to keep its student happy and attendance up.” If you would like to read the full story you can at

Current Issues A current issue in Florida that deals with Ethics is, The Partnerships in Character Education Project Program. Character is a distinguishing feature or attribute, as of an individual. Character can also be seen as moral or ethical strength.

Current Issues The U.S. Department of Education feels the student outcomes for Florida are reduction in violent and disruptive behaviors, increased sense of social responsibility and civic virtue, and an increase in positive behaviors related to positive character attributes. Florida Grantee -- The Partnerships in Character Education Project Program

Current Issues The Florida Department of Education implemented The Character Education Project Program in association with Florida Safe and Drug Free Schools. Florida Safe and Drug free Schools