Learning outcome 1

Examine and articulate the complexities of the professional demands of the teacher with reference to
ethical, legal, and legislative requirements while working in a collaborative school context

Articulation of the issue/topic and discussion

There are many things that are important to integrate into being a teacher, apart from high quality
teaching and learning and managing students’ behaviour, there are the issues surrounding student’s
wellbeing outside the classroom and outside school. Schools have policies in place to deal with
issues surrounding abuse, although the legislation requires that a teacher who has knowledge of
abuse or child protection issues must report it. It is also important and expected that teachers
uphold a professional appearance and behave ethically with their students and in their private lives
within the school community as required by the profession as a whole (Department of Education
and Training, 2016). A collaborative school environment supports teachers by providing explicit
expectations of appearance and that there is always support for a teacher, particularly a beginning
teacher, that comes across a situation that they do not feel prepared for or unsure of what to do.

Strategies for implementation

The following strategies will be useful to implement to ensure I will at all times behave in an ethical
manner and maintain a professional relationship within the school community.

Not ‘friending’ any of my students or their parents on facebook, making classroom behaviour plans
explicit to students so that they understand expectations, and maintaining a professional
relationship with students, parents/carers and colleagues.

In legal studies classes, I have the opportunity to teach potential legal ramifications to students in
relation to engaging in bullying, stalking, or inappropriate dissemination of photographs containing
sexually explicit images. Utilise online resources available from the Office of the eSafety
Commissioner.

Remaining up to date with changes in legislation and undertaking professional development on

issues surrounding ethics and appropriate conduct.

Links to underpinning theories/legislation/professional requirements

It is recognised that the best way to create well-mannered and responsible students is to ensure that
they are surrounded by responsible teachers (Lewis, 2004), which is a timely reminder that at all
times it is incredible important to behave ethically with students.

There are a number of legal obligations for teachers that relate to child protection and prevention of
child abuse (physical, sexual and emotional) in the Child Protection Act. The Public Service Ethics Act
is specific to all government employees and a Standard of Practice specific to the Department of
Education that outlines ethical expectations and the Office of the eSafety Commissioner assists
teachers in ensuring their students use ICT responsibly and ethically. The most important piece of
legislation governing teachers and their ethical and legal responsibilities is the Education (General
Provisions) Act.

Links to Australian Professional Standards for Teachers - Graduate

This learning outcome is linked to all three areas of the Australian Professional Standards for
Teachers, and the following standards are relevant to working as a teacher in a collaborative school
environment:
3.7 Describe a broad range of strategies for involving parents/carers in the educative process.

4.5 Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant issues and the strategies available to support the
safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching

7.1 Understand and apply the key principles described in codes of ethics and conduct for the
teaching profession.

7.2 Understand the relevant legislative, administrative and organizational policies and processes
required for teachers according to school stage (AITSL, 2017).

Critical reflection of my development in this area

I am fortunate to have a legal background which has led me to have previously dealt with issues
surrounding child protection and child abuse in the criminal justice system as well as knowledge and
experience of how each of those systems operate. As a teacher, I will be responsible for maintaining
up to date knowledge of legislative changes in this area and perhaps being able to inform colleagues
on rights, roles and responsibilities with these issues. In relation to ethical behaviour as a teacher, it
is useful to participate yearly in professional development training reminding teachers of their
ethical obligations and responsibilities. In terms of implementing strategies in the use of ICT in the
classroom, there are a number of resources available through the Office of the eSafety
Commissioner to assist teachers in establishing responsible use of ICT by students (Office of the
eSafety Commissioner, n.d.) and to keep up to date with evolving online issues.