Ethics and Professional Development: Is there a connection?

Education is a unique field, particularly because of the various aspects of the profession. As educators, we attend colleges and universities to prepare us for the dynamic world of education. Yet, those of us who are actively engaged in professional growth, find that there is always more to learn. We call is professional development. The concept of professional development is the idea and practice that teachers, administrators, and other academic personnel actively participate in classes, seminars, webinars, trainings, and other activities to improve our impact on student learning.

Professional development is ongoing; it does not stop at the end of the school year, or in the summertime once we conclude conferences and other training. We take away the ideas and experiences from PD, and apply them in the classroom, with our colleagues, and whatever avenue calls for them. Professional growth is a choice, and must be intrinsically attained. Educators can be encouraged and even forced in some districts to attend professional development training sessions. But, this is simply a waste of money and time if the individual does not commit to learning, growing, and applying the information they receive.

In the Georgia, our Code of Ethics for educators were adopted by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, and serves as a guide to ethical conduct. The document outlines unethical behaviors, disciplinary actions, and methods to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of students and teachers. The code of ethics does not require educators to participate in professional development. However, ethics and professional development is definitely a marriage. I feel confident that most educators think ethically, all educators should commit to continuous development in our professions. The conscious effort to devote ourselves to professional development opportunities elevates our stock as professional educators.

My school-wide strategic plan partly involves the work of a team of leaders in the building known as BLT, which stands for Building Leadership Team. This team is made up of department chairs, administrators, and other educators and staff that decide to join. The goal of the BLT is to work as a unit to achieve common goals in the building. As a member of the BLT, I strive contribute the ideals and strategies that I gained through professional development opportunities. Members of the BLT are vital to the success of the school. Ethically, there is an expectation that these members continue to grow professionally to keep up with educational innovations and to be a quality contributor to the school-wide plan.

I have been teaching for ten years, and I am fully committed to improving as an educator. My philosophy of education centers around developing and growing students, while continuing my journey of growth as well. Especially in the new age of technology, I feel the need to be proficient with integrating technology with learning to better prepare my students. Throughout the years, I have been constantly attending professional development trainings to enhance my teaching skills. Aside from that, I personally research strategies and ideas to add to my teaching repertoire. From a personal standpoint, I want to be the best educator that I can be, so my students have access to a high-quality teacher. From an ethical standpoint, I think all educators should have the same commitment, striving for ongoing professional development.