This case involves a middle school teacher, Ron, and his student Teresa who is frequently late to class. Teresa's mother, Janet, explains that the lateness is because she drops off Teresa's sister at a different school first. Janet proposes that Ron give Teresa a ride to school since he passes by on his way. This presents an ethical dilemma for Ron as teachers are advised against giving students rides. Suggested solutions include finding alternative transportation methods, starting a before-school program for the sister, or having Teresa make up work through study halls if no options are available. The last resort would be to report the situation to administrators to avoid legal and professional risks for Ron.

1. ETHICAL DECISIONS:
RIDE TO SCHOOL
Team Volunteer: Bianca Lucas, Kalle Palmer, Demetrius Thompson, Sherita Turner, Tamara Wilson
MTE/501
March 2015
Joel Slater
www.ClipArtPanda.com, 2015

2. OVERVIEW
• Background of the case
• Description of
stakeholders and their role
in the case
• Discussions of the ethical
dilemma or situation
• Solutions and suggestions

3. CASE
BACKGROUND
• Ron teaches middle school and has a student
(Teresa) that is continuously tardy to class.
• Teresa explains that her tardiness is due to her
mother dropping off her sister first.
• Ron contacts mother (Janet) and she confirms.
(University of Phoenix, 2014).

4. CASE BACKGROUND
(CONTD.)
• Janet explains the route and the convenience of her dropping
off Teresa’s sister first.
• Ron concur is familiar with the route because he lives in that
area.
• Janet proposed/asked that Ron pick up Teresa on his way to
school, because he takes that route and Teresa would be on
time for class.
(University of Phoenix, 2014).

5. STAKEHOLDERS & ROLES
• Ron Teresa’s Teacher
• Teresa Tardy Student
• Janet Teresa’s mother
• Franklin Middle Teresa’s school

6. ETHICAL DILEMMAS
• The National Education Association suggests never giving rides to
students (“Rights Watch: Falsely Accused,” 2006).
• “Students these days know all too well the consequences of an abuse
complaint, and they know how to game the system” Greg Lawler, an
attorney with the Colorado Education Association (“Rights Watch:
Falsely Accused,” 2006).
• Ron could be falsely accused- An assistant teacher in Gaston County,
was arrested after police said he coaxed a girl into have sex with him in
a car (Frazier, 2006).
• It is not Ron's, but Janet’s responsibility to get Teresa to school on time.

7. SUGGESTIONS &
SOLUTIONS
• Ride-sharing Resources: Carpool, Other Families that live in
their neighborhood. Carpooling could be used for Teresa and or
Chloe.
• Before School Program for Chloe: She can start her day earlier
and Teresa can get to school on-time.
• Transportation Alternatives: Contact the Administration about
alternatives. Perhaps some funds and or other transportation
resources are available to ensure equity for students (Hall,
Quinn & Golnick, 2014).

8. LAST RESORTS:
SOLUTIONS & SUGGESTIONS
• Study Hall, Office Hours, Study Buddy: If there are no
resources, perhaps Teresa can make up the course work and
learn the missing information with other resources at the school
that put the teacher and school less at risk for liability and
ethical questioning (Umspstead et al, 2013).
• Report to Administration: If the parent continues to be unwilling
to explore solutions, discuss the situation with administrators
and or union representatives to see what action should legally
be taken to avoid and or minimize legal risk for the teacher and
school and professional ramifications for the teacher (Hall,
Quinn & Golnick, 2014).

9. REFERENCES
Frazier, E. (2006, April 17). Can Teacher Ever Hug Students . Charlotte Observer , Retrieved from
http://www.redorbit.com/news/education/472571/can_teachers_ever_hug_students/
Hall, G. E., Quinn, L. F., & Gollnick, D. M. (2014). Introduction to Teaching: Making a Difference in Student Learning . :
SAGE Publications, Inc..Umspstead, R., Brady, K., Lugg, E., Klinker, J., & Thompson, D. (2013). Educator ethics: A
comparison of teacher professional responsibility laws in four states. Journal of Law and Education, 42(2), 183-225.
Rights Watch: Falsely Accused. (2006, November). Neatoday, (), . Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/16921.htm
University of Phoenix. (2014). Case study template: A ride to school dilemma. Retrieved from University of Phoenix,
MTE501 website.