Reflection 20

Angela Gregoire
Assignment 1
Who is a good teacher? What does it take to be a good teacher? These are questions anyone who intends to enter the teaching service should answer. Teaching is often considered to be a noble profession so one must explore the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a teacher before making a decision. In the teaching profession many teachers received the academic training, but very few are fully committed to the tasks involved. Very often many individuals take up position simply because of the pay that comes with the particular job. Teachers must realize that to be a teacher one must be committed and dedicated and have positive personality. Prospective teachers should be knowledgeable with subject matter and should be able to communicate effectively, but teachers must also learn to interact actively with students and be an advocate for all the kids in their care. Do all teachers display ethical behavior? Most teachers do but there are a few who are not professional. I have personally met some in that category and believe me they should never be teachers in the first place.
Before becoming a teacher individuals should review the principles of professional ethics and seriously consider the pros and cons. It is the teacher’s job to instruct students properly and to facilitate learning. Teachers who are committed and demonstrate some sense of professionalism usually go to work on time and regularly and conduct and plan classes carefully. They will also inform themselves and keep abreast of current trends in education. They will help to better the institution by working together with other teachers and obeying school policies. They can agree with and face parents with students who are underachievers. The professional teacher can in a subtle manner criticize constructively any school policy and suggest ways of improving them (Wynne, 1995). Codes of ethics may have not been as important as it is today but it has always present (Strike & Ternasky). Professional ethical disposition of teachers must be addressed as part of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accreditation process (NCATE, 2002). Some adaptations of a dental program prepared by the dental professionals at the University of Minnesota consist of four components and include teachers and other professionals (Rest & Narvaez). The program states that moral behaviors stem from a group of component processes (Bebeau, Rest, & Narvaez, 1999). This program addresses moral sensitivity, moral judgment, moral motivation, and moral character. Professional ethical education is becoming a very hot topic for it is becoming the main focus in many books (Tom, 1994; Sockett, 1993; Good lad, Soder, sirotnik, 1990; and Goodlad & McMannon, 1997).
Character formation has been a topic of great interest for a long time. It was Aristotle, a Greek philosopher who said to gain excellence at anything, including having the virtues; the behaviors have to be practiced (trans. 1962). In essence he explained that such habits should be taught at an early age because they are important. The entire business world demands some knowledge and practice of ethical behavior from us as we join the work place, therefore we must acquaint ourselves with this knowledge. David and Bruce Biddle (1995) wrote a book entitled ‘The Manufactured Crisis’ and explained that from information collected from surveys it is clear that employers stress more on motivation and habits rather than skills. Having said this, Bruce and David agreed that schools should deal more on values that individuals will require at the workplace.
Research has shown that children are not too concerned about pressures of work such as homework, but are motivated to learn. William Damon (1996) noted that children benefit from accomplishments and not solely on self-esteem lectures. He explained that students depend on the advice given by teachers who are concerned, caring and able. Daniel Goleman, author of the book, “Emotional Intelligence” stated that there are many at-risk behaviors that children exhibit that is linked to teaching. Some of these behaviors include impulsiveness, indecisiveness stubbornness, and overreaction. (1995). It is his view that if teachers provide the right environment students will display positive attitudes. Some schools are better equipped at dealing with moral development of their kids and the best schools aim for virtue. Teachers must learn to communicate effectively with parents, teachers, and students. Benninga, Berkowitz, Kuehn & Smith advocate that the school building should be safe, well-cared for and the teachers should display exemplary behavior (2003). Many universities all over the country are integrating their teacher programs to include character education practices for they have realized its importance and the effect it can have on the students.
It is clear that ethical issues, character education, and moral development are fundamental to teacher programs and educators, administrators, and deans are all-in agreement that values should be included in the school curriculum. There is empirical evidence to support the importance of character development and there are sufficient psychological findings to give guidance, and available training programs to those who deserve it. Teachers should behave in a professional manner in the workplace and they must not forget that they are being scrutinized by the public. Gone are the days when they were judged by their skills. Today the focus is on moral sensitivity, moral judgment, moral character, and moral motivation.