Big Question #8 – Why does society hold teachers to higher standards of moral and ethical behavior?
Society holds educators to higher standards, and it should. When a school district hires a teacher, it trusts that person with the youth of the community. Whether the students want to be there or not, the teachers have the responsibility to educate. It is their job to make sure that when the youth graduate from their school, they are ready for whatever comes next. That not only speaks for subject area content knowledge, but also societal behavior.
No matter what subject you are teaching, you are also teaching your students how to interact with one another. You are teaching teamwork, tolerance, and the ability to voice an opinion and stand up for that opinion. You are teaching professionalism. Students need to know how present themselves in “life after school” situations. They will need to show up on time, be respectful, and work hard. How can they possibly learn those ideas if their instructor does not show them that example?
Just as I will be teaching English from an extensive knowledge of literature, hoping that my students will pick up something from my teaching, I will be setting a moral and ethical example in and beyond the classroom, hoping that my students will pick up something from my behavior.
For some students, class time might be the only structure of their lives. As teachers, we are entrusted with that time, and we owe them that discipline. Yet, we have to be disciplined at all times, ourselves. We must know that any aspect of our public lives in and outside the classroom is up for display and criticism. Keep in mind, we never know when we will see our students, and they are always watching.
2 comments:
I have often struggled with the idea that society holds teachers to higher standards. I see both sides of the argument. When I read your post, I agreed with it. I especially agree with your second paragraph. I think your beliefs are strong, which is important. I also believe you will follow through with these thoughts to make yourself the best teacher you can be.
However, I feel that the higher standards society holds go beyond being late, working hard, and being respectful. These are standards that should be upheld in any work force, not just teaching. I struggle with the higher standards that include consuming alcohol, smoking, significant others, and the like. I am not one who goes to the bars to get drunk, nor do I condone those acts when done by teachers. However, drinking a few alcoholic beverages at a bar and grill with friends should not be looked down upon in my opinion. This is where I struggle. Where do we draw the line between appropriate and inappropriate?
I would have to agree with you in most every aspect you say. Your second paragraph puts it very plainly, "Students need to know how to present themselves in 'life after school' situations." I think this statement says it all. We are not just teaching subjects but teaching them how to function within society in a professional way. They need to know what is right and wrong in our society but most of all how to voice their opinion and back it up in a professional manner. We are teaching life skills and the best way to show this is by holding ourselves to high standard.
I also understand Jessica's argument. Where do we draw the distinction between what is moral and immoral. Is having a few drinks with friends moral as long as you do not go overboard? How many is too many? Where can the line be drawn? It is hard to discern.
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