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Viviana Ochoa

Michelle Reiff

EDUC&202

31 October 2022

Reflective Paper #3: Professionalism & Ethics in Education

When children are not with their family at home, they spend most of their time at school.

Children tend to look up to their teachers, so it is crucial that these teachers strive to act as

positive role models, by following an ethical code of conduct that demonstrates professionalism.

Though every school is different, all teachers should follow ethical responsibilities that benefit

the student’s growth as a learner. Effectiveness must be found in the way a teacher presents

themselves and their information, for students to ultimately succeed.

For teachers to build strong relationships with their students, they must do this in a way

where they will still be seen as the authoritative figure in the classroom. Teachers getting to

know students on a personal level helps establish a mutual respect and trust between one another,

thus encourages the student to “make more of an effort to follow the rules” (7 Classroom

Management Techniques That Really Work). Students will see their teacher either as someone to

defy or to comply with, so the establishment of standards and rules within a classroom is crucial.

Students will understand what is expected and how their teacher will ensure their success as a

student. It is also important that teachers take the time to reflect so that “they can identify areas

in which they need to improve and make necessary changes to their instructional methods” (The

Importance of Reflection for Teacher – GoGreenva.org). Detecting flaws in oneself is difficult

but is necessary for teachers to adapt to the needs of their students. By constantly searching for
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improvement in their teaching, this will set an example for students to do the same with their

learning.

The power a teacher has over the course of a student’s life is remarkable. Every word and

action they say and/or do, will impact their students either for the better or for the worse. It is

important for teachers to “help each student realize his or her potential as a worthy and effective

member of society” (NEA), and this all starts with building a positive and appropriate

relationship with them. To pursue their interests and expand their knowledge of the real world,

students will need mentors such as teachers to help guide them. Teachers can help them exceed

the expectations they have for themselves and perhaps become the next greatest, doctor,

professional athlete, or even teacher! Instilling respect within their classroom is also important as

“children need a sense of belonging to be able to be productive learners” (Edutopia). Feeling

cared for, safe, and important in a classroom goes beyond impact in a student’s growth

development. Ensuring that each student feels like they belong, will create a positive classroom

culture, thus propel students to become more confident in not only their learning capabilities, but

in their success as a student as well.

My personal values and morals have directed me throughout various moments of

adversity in my life and will continue to do so as a teacher. My qualities of kindness and

helpfulness will contribute to both my professional and ethical behavior in the classroom. The

phrase “think before you speak”, first appeared to me in my 6th grade teacher’s classroom, and I

have thought about it every day since then. It notes how important it is to be thoughtful before

you say anything, as it will create better discussions and conversations! There may be times

during teaching where I am inclined to impulsively say one thing, but in consequence, it might
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just stir up emotions or confusion. Self-control over words has the power to create a kinder and

more helpful classroom culture. Ambition and hard work are also important qualities to

demonstrate because by instilling the mindset of “you can do anything you set your mind to”, my

students will be inspired to reach beyond limits. They will always be reminded that, whatever it

may be, hard work and determination will get them there!

There is not just one ‘right’ way for teachers to become professional educators. However,

with the consideration of ethics and effective behaviors, they will be able to find a way to meet

the needs of every student, ensuring their success. The ultimate focus of a teacher should be

guided towards not themselves, but towards their students. At the end of the day, everything

needs to be ‘for the student’. How a teacher ‘talks’, ‘dresses’, ‘teaches’, ‘manages’, etc., should

all be for the student. With this way of thinking, teachers will inevitably become positive role

models to follow, and overall demonstrate effectiveness in their teaching.

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Works Cited

“7 Classroom Management Techniques That Really Work.” WeAreTeachers, 5 Apr. 2019,

www.weareteachers.com/classroom-management-techniques/.

Edutopia. “Building a Belonging Classroom.” YouTube, 28 Feb. 2019,

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6niuYToam4.

NEA. “Code of Ethics for Educators | NEA.” Www.nea.org, 14 Sept. 2020,

www.nea.org/resource-library/code-ethics-educators.

The Importance of Reflection for Teachers – GoGreenva.org. www.gogreenva.org/the-

importance-of-reflection-for-teachers/. Accessed 4 Nov. 2022.