11: Ethics and Legal Issues in Education
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Learning Objectives
What the teacher is, is more important than what he teaches -Karl Meninge
Teachers are important role models for their students both in and out of the classroom. Whether teachers are in school or involved in community functions, there are high standards of behavior expected of them. What is meant by the term professionalism? The term professionalism relates to a certain level of degree, skill or expertise in one’s specialized area. Indeed, teachers must obtain schooling, required clinical experience and certain tests in order to enter the field of teaching. In addition to this level of knowledge, teachers must demonstrate integrity, impartiality and ethical behavior in the classroom and in their conduct with parents and coworkers. Teachers must model strong character traits, such as reliability, honesty, respect, lawfulness, patience, fairness, responsibility and collaboration.
In Loco Parentis translates to “in place of parent”. Historically schools are basically responsible for students while in the hands of teachers. Therefore, teachers have a great deal of responsibility for the welfare of their students.