Sociology of the Professions

Conduct Unbecoming? Teacher Professionalism, Ethical Codes, and Shifting Social Expectations

“…Monteiro (2015) stated that, in fact, "Every professional occupation, both humble and proud, holds an ethical dimension insofar as it implies some trustworthy relationship between persons and some kind of responsibility over what it does" (p. 69). Further, Monteiro (2015) argued that the ethical dimension for a profession grows infinitely more complex "in proportion to the extent to which the profession deals most directly and essentially with the human person … and broader its public exposure" (p. 69). For teachers, the ethical dimension existing between them and the public is immense.…”

“…Not only can codes of ethics be defined as a framework that formally and publicly states professional responsibilities, principles, and overall values, they also have clear purpose and function. Monteiro (2015) pointed out that the ethical dimension for teachers is more demanding than other professions because teachers constantly deal with the public (p. 69). Monteiro (2015) compares teachers to being like a "goldfish bowl" (p. 74) where teachers are constantly exposed to public scrutiny.…”

“…Monteiro (2015) pointed out that the ethical dimension for teachers is more demanding than other professions because teachers constantly deal with the public (p. 69). Monteiro (2015) compares teachers to being like a "goldfish bowl" (p. 74) where teachers are constantly exposed to public scrutiny. This scrutiny is a result of being in day-to-day contact with students who echo the behavior of their teachers back to families and society.…”

“…In the fish bowl that is education (Monteiro, 2015), ethics and teaching cannot be seen as separate entities because teachers' "cognitive and ethical dimensions are, in practice, deeply intertwined" (Monteiro, 2015, p. 69). The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in the United States sums this intertwining of complex job requirements and ethics perfectly:…”

“…If statements regarding expected commitments by teachers cannot be written using clear and coherent language, it begs the question whether such statements should be included in the professional code of ethics in the first place. Monteiro (2015) wrote that teachers cannot afford to make decisions based on "moral subjectivity and relativity [because if their] competence and conduct are not professionally acceptable, the profession's public image is significantly and negatively affected." (p. 74).…”