Mary Duffy

EDF 4603

Dr. Hopp

4 August 2017

Ethics Narrative

Most people would agree that it is important to live according to what is right and

to avoid acting in a way thats wrong; however, not everyone can agree on whats right

and whats wrong in certain situations. A code of ethics is personal and different for each

individual. It determines an individuals response to a particular situation and also

accounts for the varied responses exhibited by different individuals in the same situation.

It is for this reason that there is a serious need for a code of ethics within the profession

of teaching. Each and every one of us is accountable for shaping the minds of countless

students, and it is of the utmost importance that we behave in a way that is exemplary to

that education.

We as teachers are placed in a very unique situation, as our own codes of ethics

are put to the test almost daily. For example, when an influential parent asks for special

favors for his child, while dealing with an impudent student or an impertinent remark,

while dealing with colleagues, or at any point while performing the daily duties of the

job. All actions and responses are a function of a personal code of ethics, which is the

foundation for differences in teachers styles of dealing with students and school-related

situations. For so many reasons, it is critical to have a very strong code of ethics, in order

for us to be quick about making ethically sound decisions when put to the test.
 Below I have outlined my own Code of Ethics in the classroom, and I will explain

in detail why each is crucial to the teaching profession.

Ms. Marys Code of Ethics in an ASD class:

1) I am committed to developing the highest educational and quality of life potential of

individuals with special needs in my classroom.

This ethical standard is important to the teaching profession because many special

needs teachers take on the role of babysitter rather than educator. Our goal as teachers

should be to not only educate our students, but help to improve quality of life, so that we

are helping them to be their best version of themselves.

2) I will promote and maintain a high level of competence and integrity in practicing my

profession.

This ethic standard is one that is the most basic, as it is an ethical standard that

professionals among every line of business should follow, not only teachers. In addition,

competence and integrity are virtues that I will expect not only from myself, but also

from my students.

3) I will engage in professional activities which benefit individuals with exceptionalities,

their families, other colleagues and my students.

As a professional in the Autism community, it is important that we immerse

ourselves in all activities that will benefit our students and promote awareness for the

community.
4) I will exercise objective professional judgment in the participation of my profession.

All of my decision making will be objective and will have the best interest of the

students at heart. I will refrain from exercising my opinion in matters related to my

school, students, coworkers, district or profession in any way.

5) I will work within standards and policies of the profession and seek to uphold and

improve where necessary laws, regulations, and policies governing the delivery of

special education and related services and the practice of my profession.

First and foremost in my mind is the best interests of my students, so I will always

work within that framework to ensure that they are able to meet their goals by teaching in

the way that they learn, rather than making them learn the way I teach.

6) I will protect the privacy of my students by ensuring that:

Written or oral information about my students and their families may be

shared only with personnel who can benefit the student and his or her family

by having this knowledge and the recipients should not relay this information

to anyone.

Information concerning a particular student may not be shared with other

students or parents under any circumstances.

Discussions concerning confidential information are to take place in a private

location.

All student personal files and IEPs will be secured in a locked location.
 This ethical standard is simply to enforce the existing privacy laws of all my

students, and was created to follow those standards. I will always follow the law

when it comes to protecting the privacy of my students.

7) My classroom shall be an ethical classroom which will be an ideal setting for learning

and personal growth.

By implementing students rules of conduct and working together to make a list of

classroom rules, we are developing the personal code of ethics of each of our students, in

order for them to be ethical and kind individuals.

8) I will as an ASD teacher nurture the academic, psychological, physical and social

potential of all of my students.

I feel that it is my responsibility as an ASD educator to not only focus on

students academic growth, but also on their physical, psychological, and social growth

as well. Touching upon my explanation earlier, it is our duty to truly better our students,

not babysit them. It is my goal to better my students for the future.

9) I will continue to learn and grow professionally by pursuing professional development

opportunities.

Just as it is my goal to constantly better the lives of my students, it is also my goal

to constantly better myself. In that regard, I will always pursue new learning

opportunities, professional development, and any experience which will help me be the

best educator I can be.

10) And most importantly, I will always respect the inherent dignity and worth of all of

the children that I work with.

I will always treat my students with dignity and respect, and will always strive to

instill in them a sense of dignity and respect for themselves.