Rebecca Lankton
January 20, 2013
EDG 3323
Ethical Dilemma #5
A student writes in her journal that she is overweight, has no friends, and no one would miss her
if she died. What should you do?
In this situation, it is apparent that the student is in an emotionally distraught state of
mind. An informed professional educator would acknowledge the ethical responsibility to
protect the student’s well-being. Under the (Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education
Profession 6B-1.006 Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida)3. The teacher has an obligation to the student a). Shall make reasonable effort to protect the
student from conditions harmful to learning and/ or to the student’s mental and or / physical
health and / or safety. The teacher is capable in solving the problem with the necessary
resources. When a student is having negative emotional thoughts, it is necessary not to make
them feel alienated or bad for having their thoughts. The teacher may first try talking one on one
with the student about her journal, keeping in mind to keep it light. The teacher should inform a
counselor at the school and set up a meeting with the student’s parent/ guardian. The school
counselor has specific training in how to deal with these situations. In recent years, students that
may have low self-esteem can fall under critical consequences and it is never to be taken lightly.
When a teacher identifies an issue among students, colleagues, or parents it is important to know
what makes the issue ethical.
As an educator, it is crucial to use reflective decision making. We all learn, or “should”
from prior experiences. In the classroom, the teacher is responsible for knowing and
understanding the material thus being informed. This involves how to teach it to students using a
variety of strategies for each student’s learning style. A professional educator is capable of
teaching concepts to students and understanding their ethical rights.
As a per service teacher, this is honestly the first time I have ever fully read the Code of
Ethics and Principles of professional conduct. After going through the activity sheet list of
ethical dilemmas’, I really had to go back and see which code was tied into it. These ethical
dilemmas happen every day, and it is important to recognize situations that may need to be dealt
with in a professional manner. Understanding what is the right way to do things, is crucial when
it involves our students. Now that I have personally read and understood each code and principle
I will use them during my reflective decision making. Effective teachers are informed, ethical,
capable, and use reflective decision making.