This document discusses the importance of ethics and kindness in teaching. It defines ethics as norms that distinguish acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Teaching requires responsibility and risks that demand much from educators. Kindness is described as the essence of greatness and a characteristic of noble people, opening doors and fostering lifelong relationships. The document outlines several ethical principles for teaching including do no harm, make things better, respect others, be fair, and be loving. It also lists six basic elements of ethical teaching: knowledge, empathy, reasoning, appreciation for moral considerations, courage, and interpersonal skills.

1. PROFESSIONAL
ETHICS COMMITMENT
TO EXCELLENCE

2. Teaching is a profession laden with risk
and responsibility that requires a great
deal from those who enter into it.”
― John I. Goodlad

3. The most common way of defining
"ethics" is norms for conduct that
distinguish between acceptable and
unacceptable behavior. Most people
learn ethical norms at home, at school,
in religious ideology, or in other social
settings.

4. 1. I've made shoes for everyone, even
you, while I still go barefoot.
(Bob Dylan)
2. I love thee for a heart that's kind—
Not for the knowledge in thy mind.
(W. H. Davies)
3. One kind word can warm three winter
months.
(Japanese proverb)

5. QUESTION:
HOW DO YOU DEFINE
KINDNESS?

6. ESSENCE OF GREATNESS
“Kindness is the essence of greatness
and the fundamental characteristic of the
noblest men and women I have known.
Kindness is a passport that opens doors
and fashions friends. It softens hearts
and molds relationships that can last
lifetimes.” ―
Joseph B. Wirthlin

7. • One looks back with appreciation to the
brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to
those who touched our human feelings.
The curriculum is so much necessary
raw material, but warmth is the vital
element for the growing plant and for the
soul of the child.
(Attributed to Carl Gustav Jung)

8. ETHICAL TEACHING
Hinman and Weinstein share the
following reminders for behaving ethically
and teaching children and young adults
to behave ethically:

9. • Do No Harm
Try not to hurt people. Weinstein says if
hurting others is unavoidable, it’s important
to minimize the hurt.
• Make Things Better
Weinstein says it’s important to help
people—and to know the difference
between helping and hurting.

10. • Respect Others
Weinstein explains that we show respect
by telling the truth, keeping our
promises, and not listening to or
spreading rumors. If someone tells you a
secret, don’t tell anyone else.

11. • Be Fair
Fairness also has to do with how we
distribute scarce resources. Don’t favor
some students. Don’t give more to some
and less to others.
• Be Loving
Part of being loving, Weinstein explains,
is having compassion for others. Show
people you care about them.

12. SIX BASIC ELEMENTS OF
ETHICAL TEACHING
1. Knowledge
The presence of knowledge is
extremely beneficial in the solving ethical
issues. It is the knowledge of true facts
that ultimately guides a teacher to decide
what is right and what is wrong.
“A careless word may kindle strife. A cruel word may wreck a life. A
timely word may level stress. But a loving word may
heal and bless.”

13. SIX BASIC ELEMENTS OF
ETHICAL TEACHING
2. Empathy
Empathy allows an individual to
identify with the problem and try to
understand the thought or feelings of all
parties involved.
“Always put yourself in the other's shoes.”

14. SIX BASIC ELEMENTS OF
ETHICAL TEACHING
3. Reasoning
The ability to logically and coherently
analyze situations and perspectives
represents an important element of the
code of ethics associated with the teaching
profession.
“Reasoning draws a conclusion and makes us grant the
conclusion.”

15. SIX BASIC ELEMENTS OF
ETHICAL TEACHING
4. Appreciation for Moral
Considerations
The ability to identify and analyze
conflicting and competing moral interests
involved in any given situation is very
important when faced with ethically tinged
dilemmas.
“Don't be captivated just by what's in front of you and neglect the
rest.”

16. SIX BASIC ELEMENTS OF
ETHICAL TEACHING
5. Courage
The virtues of ethical teaching
such as appreciation for moral
considerations, reasoning, and
empathy are less possible if the
element of courage is missing.
“It takes courage to achieve something.”

17. SIX BASIC ELEMENTS OF
ETHICAL TEACHING
6. Interpersonal Skills
The lack of appropriate
interpersonal skills that leads to one
being misunderstood is one of the worst
situations an individual can face.
“You can’t express something if you don’t voice them.”

18. TO BE CONTINUED…