WEEK+6

Week 6  Key Words: VIT Website Code of Conduct, Professionalism, Teacher Ethics We do need to understand what is right and wrong and set boundaries so students know where they stand and feel comfortable about the limits of acceptability. I think that as long as you make these known at the start of the student/ teacher relationship then respect will follow. Using your own vaues as a guide can also model community/ social values, and through the students oral and verbal behavior, relay a message to parents and community about the values that are important to our school community. As a professional teacher, we have a responsibility to act in a professional manner both in and out of the school environment. In the workshop We discussed many articles regarding the Code of Ethics and Professional Code of Conduct. As a group we came up with some suggestions we thought appropriate for setting up a Code of ethics for the school.
 * 1) Input by all
 * 2) Reviewed regularly and evolve over time, rather than set and never changed
 * 3) Those wanting to input are engaged in the process and responsible for it, therefore more likely to abide by it

 There was an issue of contention regarding the perceived conflict between professional responsibility and limits vs social responsibility. I think common sense has a large part to play when specific issues arise. Every situation is different. Anita Dinon 27/04/2009

 The Code of Conduct and the Teacher Code of Ethics are essential for maintaining the integrity of the teaching profession. It is essential that there are standards to which all teachers are held accountable. Professional competence, personal conduct and professional conduct are all key elements discussed this week. Most professionals would operate in the manners described already, but having legislative standards ensures all teachers are required to adhere to the same professional standards. Individual values, life experiences and social conditioning impact our perceptions and interpretations of what is normal.
 * Week 6 **

There was also a heavy emphasis on the importance of being a role model both in the school environment and in your personal time.

Most of the topics covered seemed to me to be common sense and part of any professional conduct, but some of the issues raised caused me to consider situations in a way I had not previously done. Particularly issues around what could potentially appear inappropriate or what could leave a teacher vulnerable to accusations were raised. There were some scenarios presented that I had not considered before and will see differently with my new perspective.

Sonia McAlary 15 /5/ 09

__ **Week 6 lecture** __ This lecture is based on the ethics and moral issues of being a teacher. I believe this is a very important and useful topic for all of education students to know about. What is the right thing to do? We may be hear different voices, and each voice may have something distinctive to say.

Victorian Teaching Profession Code of Ethics is a legislative requirement, based on 3 values underpinning the profession -Integrity -Respect -Responsibility

It helps to shape the relationships with students, parent, caregivers, colleagues and the community. That makes me ask myself a question "what is my professional conduct?" I absolutely need to reconsider this before I enter a school.

In the lecture, something being brought up really inspired me - I AM NOT a friend, counsellor, psychologist. I AM NOT there to rescue children. but I AM a orifessional teacher spending spacious time educating students. I used to have thoughts about being able to help all students out of any poor situations. I have a very high expectations on myself, but whenever I cannot achieve something, I will get really depressed. I know this emotion and thought cannot be brought to the classrooms. I really need to reconsider my expectations, my roles and my goals. I am remind myself that I am a professional educator, not a conusellor, nor a psychologist.

This lecture also taught me a lot of things that teachers need to be aware of in schools, such as never be alone with a pupil, not even in a classroom with windows. They are all interesting and important facts for me to learn. I believe each school will have different duty of care and other code of conduct to be aware of. I know I am in a learning community and I will try and improve my knowledge as being a professional educator.

(Man Man Hung, Christy) June 2009