Professional Ethics
And Values
Maria Shahzad
6. 3-Step Ethical Decision-Making
9. Final Thoughts & Q&A
8. Building an Ethical School Culture
4. Core Ethical Principles
3. Why Ethics Matter in Schools
7. Code of Conduct Highlights
5. Common Ethical Challenges at School
Contents
1. Purpose of Today’s Workshop
2. Our Vision & Mission (BMSS)
Facilitator Information
Maria Shahzad
Campus Coordinator & Teacher
Blend of administrative and teaching
experience
Workshops: Cambridge, Edexcel, Oxford
Understand what
professional ethics
mean in a school
context
Reinforce our shared
values and
expectations
Strengthen our
professional culture
Purpose of Today’s Workshop
Address common
ethical challenges
Ashfaq Ahemd
Ashfaq Ahmed
Values That Build a School
Culture
🌳 Activity: 'Build Our School Tree'
1
Core Value Writing
Write one core value on a paper leaf.
2
Leaf Attachment
Stick your leaf on the wall-sized tree.
3
Tree Growth
Our tree will grow, reflecting our common values.
Our Mission
Vision, Mission and Ethics
VISION
• Realizing your dreams
MISSION
• Inclusive, student-centric,
world-class education grounded
in cultural values
ETHICS
• Help us live this mission daily
Question
In one word, what does professionalism mean to you?
Professional Ethics
What are they?
Law
(MUST)
Ethics
(Should)
Law
 Definition: Formal rules enacted by a governing
authority (e.g., government, school board, legislative
body) that are enforceable by penalties.
 Enforcement: Legal consequences (e.g., fines, prison,
civil damages, termination of employment).
 Focus: Sets the minimum standard of acceptable
conduct. What you must or must not do.
Morals
 Definition: A set of principles and
standards of conduct adopted by
a profession or organization (like
a school). They guide behavior
towards what is considered right
and good within that specific
context.
 Focus: What you should do to
uphold professional values
and build trust, even if not
legally mandated.
 Enforcement: Professional
consequences (e.g., disciplinary
action, damage to reputation,
loss of professional
standing/trust).
Ethics
 Definition: Personal beliefs and values
about what is right or wrong, good or
bad, often influenced by upbringing,
culture, religion, and individual
experiences.
 Focus: Your personal compass. What
you believe is inherently right or wrong.
 Enforcement: Internal (guilt, pride) or
social (social ostracization, personal
satisfaction).
Aspect Law Morals Professional Ethics
Definition Rules enforced by government
Personal beliefs about
right/wrong
Standards for behavior in a
profession
Source Constitution, legislation Religion, family, culture
Code of conduct by professional
bodies
Obligatory? Yes — legal consequences No — personal choice Yes — for job integrity
Example Stealing is illegal
Helping the poor out of
compassion
A teacher not leaking exam
papers
Who Decides? Government/parliament Individual/family
Professional organization (e.g.,
medical board, school)
Punishment if Broken? Jail, fine, legal action Guilt, internal conflict Job loss, license revocation
Real-Life Example
Not paying taxes can land you in
jail
Donating secretly to a needy
family
A lawyer keeping client info
confidential
Identify
Legally, you are prohibited from publicly disclosing a
student's private academic record or medical
information. Doing so can result in legal action or job
termination
Professionally, you are expected to maintain strict
confidentiality regarding all sensitive student, staff,
and school information. This builds trust and ensures a
safe environment, even for information not explicitly
covered by law (e.g., private conversations).
You personally believe it is inherently wrong to gossip
or spread private information about anyone,
reinforcing your ethical commitment to confidentiality
LAW
ETHICS
MORALS
Role models for
students
Build a safe,
respectful
environment
Uphold school
reputation and
culture
Everyday decisions
shape young lives
YOU!
Why Ethics Matter in Schools?
Respect
Core
professional
ethics
Integrity and
Honesty
Professional
Boundaries
Fairness
Responsibility
Confidentiality
Ethics Bingo: The Everyday Choices We Make
• ✅ Step 1: Grab your Ethics Bingo card (handout or onscreen)
• ✅ Step 2: Mark all the boxes that apply to YOU
• ✅ Step 3: Pair up and compare cards
• 🔄 Discuss: Who has the most marked? Which was the hardest
to do? Most rewarding?
Ethics Bingo Card
✔ Reported a concern
respectfully
✔ Helped a colleague
without being asked
✔ Kept a student’s
confidence
✔ Refused to gossip ✔ Used official channels
to raise an issue
✔ Admitted a mistake
honestly
✔ Gave fair feedback ✔ Arrived on time every
day
✔ Stayed calm under
pressure
✔ Encouraged ethical talk
in team
✔ Supported a team
decision
✔ Asked before sharing
info
✔ Followed the dress
code
✔ Declined a task outside
my role
✔ Shared a good idea
respectfully
✔ Stood up for someone ✔ Didn’t post work
content online
✔ Said 'no' to peer
pressure
✔ Gave credit where due
✔ Took accountability
quickly
✔ Explained a tough
decision kindly
✔ Respected digital
boundaries
✔ Chose not to retaliate ✔ Resolved conflict
maturely
A colleague
Public criticism of
management Unprofessional
dress or lateness
Disrespectful
communication
Stepping
outside job
roles
Inappropriate social
media use
Common Ethical
Challenges at School
Stepping outside job roles
If everyone becomes the driver, who will steer the bus?
Non-verbal
communication Gossip & passive
aggression
Hierarchy-based
disrespect
Tone-related
Rudeness in emails
or messages
Disrespectful
communication
Disrespectful
"What were you thinking?"
"That’s not my job."
"You never listen!"
Respectful
"Let’s look at what went wrong
together."
"I’m not the best person for this,
but I can help you find who is."
"Can we sit and talk when you’re
ready? I really need your
attention."
Disrespectful communication
“Communication is a mirror.”
P u b l i c c r i t i c i s m o f m a n a g e m e n t
P r o b l e m s
Undermines
authority
01
02
Creates
division
03
Toxic
blame
culture
Staff feel
uncertain
or unsafe
04
Public criticism of management
Examples
• Saying during a meeting: “Well, that policy clearly makes
no sense, but what can we do.”
• In staff WhatsApp groups: “Another last-minute circular
from the admin — typical!”
• Telling students: “Even I don’t understand what the
management wants.”
• Sharing internal school decisions or complaints on social media.
Public criticism of management
Solutions
• Use the right channels: Email, meeting with a supervisor,
feedback forms
• Speak one-on-one with respect, not emotionally in public.
• Give constructive feedback instead of sarcastic remarks.
• Think long-term: Will this comment solve the issue or just
vent frustration?
Scenario
Staff member jokes about a new policy in a staff
room.
A teacher sends an email to admin sharing
concerns about extra duties.
Admin decision is discussed negatively in front
of students.
Management feedback is shared respectfully in a
monthly meeting.
Response
🚫 Unethical — better addressed in private.
✅ Ethical — private and respectful.
🚫 Very unprofessional.
✅ Ethical — if tone and intent are respectful.
Unprofessional Dress or lateness
• Poor role modeling
• Disrespects time and effort
• Can disrupt schedules
• “Rules are flexible—for me.”
Ethical Mindset- Are we living our message?
1) "If we expect our students to be on time,
are we on time?"
2) Are we planning our day
effectively, including breaks and
lesson flow?
3) Do we treat school time and
resources with the same care we
expect from students?
Are we mirroring the behavior we expect from learners?
P - Policies L - Legal
📌 Decision-Making Tool: PLUS Model
Ethics in Decision-Making
Choose your action and justify your decision
Universal
Policies
📍 Scenario Quiz: 'You Be the Leader!'
Legal Self
U - Universal S - Self
Bulletin board
photo with
student names
Debrief – What We Learned
You
Personal
Accounts
Professional
Image
Role Model
Case Study – Social Media Criticism
• Colleague passing negative comments about school in
staffroom/office.
• What should you do?
• Apply the 3-step model
Workshop Activity: “What Would You Do?” –
Ethical Dilemmas in Schools
• What ethical values were repeated in each case?
• Was it easy or hard to agree on the “right” action?
• How can we support each other in staying ethical
under pressure?
Objective: To encourage discussion and reflection on common ethical
challenges in schools, and how to respond professionally and responsibly.
Time: 10–15 minutes
Role clarity
and respect
Responsible
digital
behavior
BMSS- Code of Conduct Highlights
Confidentiality
Professional
communicatio
n
Building an Ethical School Culture
1) Everyone plays a part
2) Lead by example
3) Use proper channels for feedback
4) Trust management’s open-door policy
Are We Walking the Talk?
📺 Skit or Video: Do’s & Don’ts in School Settings
Professionalism in Communication & Conduct
Focus on respectful, clear communication
🎭 Role Play: Handling a difficult parent/colleague
Academic honesty
Digital boundaries
Ethics in the Digital Age
Data privacy
Responsible use of technology & AI
📜 Final Reading: Our Ethical Commitment
🎉 Certificates
Wrap-Up & Collective Pledge
📝 Feedback Form (via QR Code)
Thank You

Professional Ethics-Maria-v6.0 final 2.pptx

  • 1.
  • 2.
    6. 3-Step EthicalDecision-Making 9. Final Thoughts & Q&A 8. Building an Ethical School Culture 4. Core Ethical Principles 3. Why Ethics Matter in Schools 7. Code of Conduct Highlights 5. Common Ethical Challenges at School Contents 1. Purpose of Today’s Workshop 2. Our Vision & Mission (BMSS)
  • 3.
    Facilitator Information Maria Shahzad CampusCoordinator & Teacher Blend of administrative and teaching experience Workshops: Cambridge, Edexcel, Oxford
  • 4.
    Understand what professional ethics meanin a school context Reinforce our shared values and expectations Strengthen our professional culture Purpose of Today’s Workshop Address common ethical challenges
  • 5.
  • 6.
    Values That Builda School Culture 🌳 Activity: 'Build Our School Tree' 1 Core Value Writing Write one core value on a paper leaf. 2 Leaf Attachment Stick your leaf on the wall-sized tree. 3 Tree Growth Our tree will grow, reflecting our common values.
  • 7.
  • 8.
    Vision, Mission andEthics VISION • Realizing your dreams MISSION • Inclusive, student-centric, world-class education grounded in cultural values ETHICS • Help us live this mission daily
  • 9.
    Question In one word,what does professionalism mean to you?
  • 10.
    Professional Ethics What arethey? Law (MUST) Ethics (Should)
  • 11.
    Law  Definition: Formalrules enacted by a governing authority (e.g., government, school board, legislative body) that are enforceable by penalties.  Enforcement: Legal consequences (e.g., fines, prison, civil damages, termination of employment).  Focus: Sets the minimum standard of acceptable conduct. What you must or must not do.
  • 12.
    Morals  Definition: Aset of principles and standards of conduct adopted by a profession or organization (like a school). They guide behavior towards what is considered right and good within that specific context.  Focus: What you should do to uphold professional values and build trust, even if not legally mandated.  Enforcement: Professional consequences (e.g., disciplinary action, damage to reputation, loss of professional standing/trust).
  • 13.
    Ethics  Definition: Personalbeliefs and values about what is right or wrong, good or bad, often influenced by upbringing, culture, religion, and individual experiences.  Focus: Your personal compass. What you believe is inherently right or wrong.  Enforcement: Internal (guilt, pride) or social (social ostracization, personal satisfaction).
  • 14.
    Aspect Law MoralsProfessional Ethics Definition Rules enforced by government Personal beliefs about right/wrong Standards for behavior in a profession Source Constitution, legislation Religion, family, culture Code of conduct by professional bodies Obligatory? Yes — legal consequences No — personal choice Yes — for job integrity Example Stealing is illegal Helping the poor out of compassion A teacher not leaking exam papers Who Decides? Government/parliament Individual/family Professional organization (e.g., medical board, school) Punishment if Broken? Jail, fine, legal action Guilt, internal conflict Job loss, license revocation Real-Life Example Not paying taxes can land you in jail Donating secretly to a needy family A lawyer keeping client info confidential
  • 15.
    Identify Legally, you areprohibited from publicly disclosing a student's private academic record or medical information. Doing so can result in legal action or job termination Professionally, you are expected to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all sensitive student, staff, and school information. This builds trust and ensures a safe environment, even for information not explicitly covered by law (e.g., private conversations). You personally believe it is inherently wrong to gossip or spread private information about anyone, reinforcing your ethical commitment to confidentiality LAW ETHICS MORALS
  • 16.
    Role models for students Builda safe, respectful environment Uphold school reputation and culture Everyday decisions shape young lives YOU! Why Ethics Matter in Schools?
  • 17.
  • 18.
    Ethics Bingo: TheEveryday Choices We Make • ✅ Step 1: Grab your Ethics Bingo card (handout or onscreen) • ✅ Step 2: Mark all the boxes that apply to YOU • ✅ Step 3: Pair up and compare cards • 🔄 Discuss: Who has the most marked? Which was the hardest to do? Most rewarding?
  • 19.
    Ethics Bingo Card ✔Reported a concern respectfully ✔ Helped a colleague without being asked ✔ Kept a student’s confidence ✔ Refused to gossip ✔ Used official channels to raise an issue ✔ Admitted a mistake honestly ✔ Gave fair feedback ✔ Arrived on time every day ✔ Stayed calm under pressure ✔ Encouraged ethical talk in team ✔ Supported a team decision ✔ Asked before sharing info ✔ Followed the dress code ✔ Declined a task outside my role ✔ Shared a good idea respectfully ✔ Stood up for someone ✔ Didn’t post work content online ✔ Said 'no' to peer pressure ✔ Gave credit where due ✔ Took accountability quickly ✔ Explained a tough decision kindly ✔ Respected digital boundaries ✔ Chose not to retaliate ✔ Resolved conflict maturely
  • 20.
  • 21.
    Public criticism of managementUnprofessional dress or lateness Disrespectful communication Stepping outside job roles Inappropriate social media use Common Ethical Challenges at School
  • 22.
    Stepping outside jobroles If everyone becomes the driver, who will steer the bus?
  • 23.
    Non-verbal communication Gossip &passive aggression Hierarchy-based disrespect Tone-related Rudeness in emails or messages Disrespectful communication
  • 24.
    Disrespectful "What were youthinking?" "That’s not my job." "You never listen!" Respectful "Let’s look at what went wrong together." "I’m not the best person for this, but I can help you find who is." "Can we sit and talk when you’re ready? I really need your attention."
  • 25.
  • 26.
    P u bl i c c r i t i c i s m o f m a n a g e m e n t P r o b l e m s Undermines authority 01 02 Creates division 03 Toxic blame culture Staff feel uncertain or unsafe 04
  • 27.
    Public criticism ofmanagement Examples • Saying during a meeting: “Well, that policy clearly makes no sense, but what can we do.” • In staff WhatsApp groups: “Another last-minute circular from the admin — typical!” • Telling students: “Even I don’t understand what the management wants.” • Sharing internal school decisions or complaints on social media.
  • 28.
    Public criticism ofmanagement Solutions • Use the right channels: Email, meeting with a supervisor, feedback forms • Speak one-on-one with respect, not emotionally in public. • Give constructive feedback instead of sarcastic remarks. • Think long-term: Will this comment solve the issue or just vent frustration?
  • 29.
    Scenario Staff member jokesabout a new policy in a staff room. A teacher sends an email to admin sharing concerns about extra duties. Admin decision is discussed negatively in front of students. Management feedback is shared respectfully in a monthly meeting. Response 🚫 Unethical — better addressed in private. ✅ Ethical — private and respectful. 🚫 Very unprofessional. ✅ Ethical — if tone and intent are respectful.
  • 30.
    Unprofessional Dress orlateness • Poor role modeling • Disrespects time and effort • Can disrupt schedules • “Rules are flexible—for me.”
  • 31.
    Ethical Mindset- Arewe living our message? 1) "If we expect our students to be on time, are we on time?" 2) Are we planning our day effectively, including breaks and lesson flow? 3) Do we treat school time and resources with the same care we expect from students? Are we mirroring the behavior we expect from learners?
  • 32.
    P - PoliciesL - Legal 📌 Decision-Making Tool: PLUS Model Ethics in Decision-Making Choose your action and justify your decision Universal Policies 📍 Scenario Quiz: 'You Be the Leader!' Legal Self U - Universal S - Self
  • 33.
  • 34.
    Debrief – WhatWe Learned You Personal Accounts Professional Image Role Model
  • 36.
    Case Study –Social Media Criticism • Colleague passing negative comments about school in staffroom/office. • What should you do? • Apply the 3-step model
  • 37.
    Workshop Activity: “WhatWould You Do?” – Ethical Dilemmas in Schools • What ethical values were repeated in each case? • Was it easy or hard to agree on the “right” action? • How can we support each other in staying ethical under pressure? Objective: To encourage discussion and reflection on common ethical challenges in schools, and how to respond professionally and responsibly. Time: 10–15 minutes
  • 38.
    Role clarity and respect Responsible digital behavior BMSS-Code of Conduct Highlights Confidentiality Professional communicatio n
  • 39.
    Building an EthicalSchool Culture 1) Everyone plays a part 2) Lead by example 3) Use proper channels for feedback 4) Trust management’s open-door policy
  • 40.
    Are We Walkingthe Talk?
  • 41.
    📺 Skit orVideo: Do’s & Don’ts in School Settings Professionalism in Communication & Conduct Focus on respectful, clear communication 🎭 Role Play: Handling a difficult parent/colleague
  • 42.
    Academic honesty Digital boundaries Ethicsin the Digital Age Data privacy Responsible use of technology & AI
  • 44.
    📜 Final Reading:Our Ethical Commitment 🎉 Certificates Wrap-Up & Collective Pledge 📝 Feedback Form (via QR Code)
  • 45.

Editor's Notes

  • #11 Role Law Example Administrators School Management Committees with parent involvement and enforcement powers Fines for operating unregistered schools Teachers Must be qualified (with deadline to achieve qualification) Required duties: punctuality, syllabus, assessments, parent meetings No non-teaching tasks except census, elections, disaster relief Student Safety Bag‑weight limit law to protect children’s health
  • #12 Moral Value School Example Teaching Method Honesty “Truth-telling challenge” in class Story & role-play Empathy Empathy lessons in Karachi school Discussion & service work Responsibility Student helpers assist at assemblies Consistent duties & reflection Kindness “Kindness weeks” or peer support drives Projects & rewards
  • #16 💬 Prompt: Share an ethical dilemma you've experienced
  • #20 Confidentiality: The information shared by the student was private. Professional Boundaries: As a volunteer, sharing sensitive student information, even with a well-meaning parent in a private group, crosses a line. Respect: Respecting the student's privacy and not divulging personal information.
  • #25 Souchni hai!
  • #27 Souchni hai!
  • #28 Souchni hai!
  • #29 Souchni hai!
  • #30 Souchni hai!
  • #31 1) Using work laptops for non-professional activities 2) Teaching during breaks (tuition) or personal mobile phone use 3) Delegating your class without proper substitution planning 4) Respecting even “lower hierarchy” supervisors 5) Planning your day, respecting class time, including structured breaks
  • #34 After hearing group opinions, you can say: “This activity reminds us that in today’s world, our digital footprint is part of our professional reputation. Even when we think we’re off-duty, we’re still role models.”
  • #36 Cleanaway flowchart
  • #37 Cleanaway flowchart
  • #38 Link handout of BMSS with aims of today’s workshop Adherence to Designated Roles and Responsibilities: All staff members are expected to understand and strictly adhere to their designated job roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines. Unsanctioned assumption of duties outside one's role, particularly in areas like reception, student services, or specific departmental tasks, is prohibited and can disrupt school operations and create inefficiencies. Professional Collaboration and Respect: Staff must treat all colleagues with respect, regardless of position, seniority, or department. Communication among staff should always be professional, constructive, and respectful. Public displays of disrespect, shouting to communicate, engaging in gossip, or making disparaging remarks about colleagues, their work, or their roles are strictly forbidden.
  • #40 🎯 Compare personal values with school’s mission/vision Self-reflection: Are we aligned?
  • #42 Reference “Sir Ejaz"