Ethical practice

Ethical practice/ Standard 7 Create and maintain safe and supportive learning environments/ Standard 8 Foster positive and productive relationships with families and the community/ Standard 9 Contribute effectively to professional teams/ Standard 10 Commit to reflective practice and ongoing professional renewal (Ethical attribute relates to all QCT standards, these mentioned are most relevant).

As a Learning Manager I will follow various government acts and policies, school policies, code of conduct, the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT); professional standards, code of practice, and the code of ethics.

All persons involved in the education industry abide to the Code of Conduct as it presents a framework of ethical principles, obligations and standards that direct employees work performance, professional standards and associated behaviours when interacting with others (DET, 2006). The Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 identifies the ethical principles and requirements that need to be followed by all public sector staff.

The five principles that teachers need to follow within the education industry according to the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 are;

• Respect for the law and system of Government
• Respect for Persons
• Integrity
• Diligence
• Economy and Efficiency (DET, 2006).

The State of Queensland (2010) has released a new code titled ‘Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service’ that contains the ethical principles and their related set of values given in the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994. The new code includes standards of conduct for each ethics principle, these are; integrity and impartiality promoting the public good, commitment to the system of government and accountability and transparency (Public Service Commission, 2010).

Registered teachers in Queensland utilize the Professional Standards created by the QCT as they demonstrate the abilities, knowledge, understandings and professional values that teachers in Queensland schools display and maintain within the complexities of teacher's everyday responsibilities. The Code of Practice is underpinned by the Code of Ethics for Queensland teachers and it also presents guidance in relation to the professional conduct or practice of teachers.

The QCT (2008) has also developed a code of ethics which is designed to help with the decision making process so that the decision one professional might make is similar to the decision made by all other members of that profession. This framework is intended to ensure teachers commit to the high standards of ethical behaviour and professionalism is maintained while communicating with students, parents, other staff and community. Teachers in Queensland are obligated to adhere to the QCT values that foster the teaching profession, they are; Integrity, Dignity, Responsibility, Respect, Justice and Care (QCT, 2008). Teachers are expected to jointly use the code of ethics with employer policies and procedures as well as other professional codes when performing in professional conduct and behaviour QCT (2008).

Some education legal aspects teachers follow, but not limited to the following are; Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, Education (General Provisions) Regulation 2006, Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, Child Protection Act 1999, Commission for Children and Young People Act 2000.

As a professional teacher I obey the government policies and codes set up to provide an efficient, effective transparent and accountable public service. I believe I act in an exceptional manner at all times and display high levels of professionalism.

I am an honest, hard working, organised, friendly, supportive, patient person who values every student. As a mother of 2 small children I have completed this degree in 3 years. It is evident that I set, monitor and achieve my goals. I am a strong, determined professional who loves to accomplish challenges.

Kym, you clearly understand the nature and complexities of ethical dilemmas as experienced by professional people in the postmodern world. There is so much evidence of hard work here- you have read widely and you have utilised a number of conceptual tools from the course readings and applied them to your analysis. Your reference list is worthy of an ‘honours’ thesis. Well done Kym, a pleasure to read and mark (Isdale, personal communication, May, 2011).