CA2

Current Trends in Education: Tutorial Papers: Template

Leader: Kevin Maye

Student Name
Fergal Carroll

Tutorial Paper Number (1 or 2)

1

Reading Article Reference

Code of professional conduct for teachers.

Article Summary (1 A4 page)

The code covers a lot of different areas that need to be considered in the
world of teaching and how all these examples effect teachers in different
ways. I paid close attention to the way it lists its different methods of
supporting student and qualified teachers throughout their career. While
offering these supports to the teachers it also makes it clear of the
responsibilities the teacher must uphold in their classrooms, this is when the
four values are introduced.
Care takes into consideration the needs of both the students and the pupils;
it promotes a safe learning environment and a place that the student can feel
safe to be in.
Respect discusses how the students must have respect for the teachers and
like wise, the teachers for the students. With out respect a good classroom
cannot be built.
Trust is like respect in that it is needed to allow the students to flourish in the
classroom and develop fully. Also, trust is needed for the parents to feel
comfortable with leaving their children with the school and its teachers.
Integrity focuses on what the te10acher needs to embody. The teacher must
be trustworthy, confident, and strong in mind for the students. Integrity is
needed to earn the trust and respect of the students and parents.

Following the codes that are needed by the teacher’s it dives into the context
of the code, describing the deeper meaning of what is given and achieved in
the code of conduct. The main point I found was that it advocates a
professional role for the support of all teachers whether they are student,
newly qualified or professional teachers. The code is adopted to ensure
proper development of the profession in the future, and it wants to keep
improving as the years go on. The code is also used as a reference for
behaviour that is needed. If a case where to arise where the performance of
a teacher was in consideration the code states that it will be the standard
that will be referred to during the case and to ensure that the teacher is
assessed fairly and justly.

The code recognises the teachers as an important member of society and

offers the help and support that they may need in the future. Alongside this
it also holds the teachers accountable for what they must achieve for the
students. It shows how it is important for the teacher to provide a good
learning environment for the students to develop their skills in any chosen
topic/subject. I think this is what makes the code so important as it is very
equal on its stances regarding the student teacher relationship as that is how
it needs to be in the classroom. While defending the teachers rights it also
outlines the teachers’ responsibilities “Not feeling connected to the teacher
may contribute to students' boredom in classes, and being bored, in turn,
may lead to not feeling connected to the teacher.” (Goetz, 2021)

In conclusion I believe that the code focuses on a nice balance of what the
teachers need and what students need. It provides security for the teachers
while also outlining the standard that they must achieve for the student’s
safety and proper development.

Critical Reflection on the Article (1 A4 Page)

I feel that the code offers great insight for teachers into what they need to
achieve and what their responsibilities are in this profession. Along with the
4 points listed in the code (Trust, Integrity, Respect and Care) there are many
other quality’s that a teacher must embody. Quality’s such as communication
and patience are of upmost importance for a teacher as they must be able to
take their time with students and allow them to make the mistakes need for
them to learn. (WGU, 2020). From my own experiences I know it is crucial to
establish good working relationships with your students to ensure the classes
run smoothly for the duration of your placement/career. I find that setting
rules for the students to follow build’s good behavioural structure for the
students but in turn you must hold yourself accountable for reaching the
goals that the students require of you. This give and give relationship is very
beneficial for both the students and the teacher as it ensures a smooth-
running class and high performing students who are eager and interested to
learn in the class. It heavily relates to today’s climate with increasing student
numbers it can be harder to achieve these points without having carefully
studied the methods of attaining them beforehand “The teacher understands
the expectations of the profession, including codes of ethics, professional
standards of practice, and relevant law and policy” (Burden, 1999). I feel that
it brings to light the idea that the teacher must look upon the students as
each having their own individual strengths and weaknesses rather than
grouping the class together as one unites and expecting the same level of
performance from each student.

I believe that the code of conduct shows great backing for the teacher who
work under its guiding by offering multiple guidelines if a teacher come
under investigation in their work. It is crucial that every worker feels that
they are supported both by the area they work in and the institution the
work for. It leads to happy employee’s that feel trusted and safe which then
leads to improved work ethic and results from this work. “Managers question
the relationships between job security and positive changes in workers”
(Lahey, 1984). I also believe that the code does a great job at outlining their
goals for the present and the future of teacher education. It is important to
consider this as it allows the teachers to plan for a major changes that may
happen in the future of their careers. As a student teacher I feel that the
code inspires confidence in the profession I am following. Knowing that my
needs as a teacher are considered and that if I need any assistance there will
be a body behind me to support me in multiple different ways.

List of References
Bibliography
Burden, P. R. (1999). Methods of Effective Teaching. Pearson.
Goetz, T. B. (2021). Getting along and feeling good: Reciprocal associations between
student-teacher relationship quality and students’ emotions. . learning and
instruction.
Lahey, M. (1984). Job security: Its meaning and measure. Kansas: Kansas State
University.
WGU. (2020, January 29). Western Goveners University. Retrieved from
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/top-qualities-skills-good-teacher2001.html#close