Professional Ethics in Education Flashcards

A teacher discovers a student is being bullied online by classmates. What is the most ethically appropriate first step?

Answer: Report it to the school counselor and document the incident

Educators have a duty of care that extends to cyberbullying situations and must follow school reporting protocols.

Which principle best describes a teacher's obligation to treat all students fairly regardless of background?

Answer: Justice

Justice in professional ethics requires equitable treatment and fair distribution of educational resources.

A parent asks a teacher to share another student's academic records. The teacher should:

Answer: Decline, as student records are confidential under FERPA

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) prohibits sharing student records with unauthorized parties.

An educator accepts an expensive gift from a student's parents before grading final exams. This is problematic because:

Answer: It creates a conflict of interest that could compromise objectivity

Accepting gifts before evaluation creates a conflict of interest that undermines fair and objective grading.

A student confides they are experiencing domestic violence at home. The teacher's ethical obligation is to:

Answer: Report it immediately to the appropriate authorities as a mandated reporter

Teachers are mandated reporters and are legally and ethically required to report suspected child abuse immediately.

When a teacher uses social media to friend a current student, the primary ethical concern is:

Answer: Violation of professional boundaries

Friending current students on social media blurs professional boundaries and can create inappropriate relationships.

A school administrator asks a teacher to alter student test scores to improve the school's rating. The ethical response is to:

Answer: Refuse and report the request through proper channels

Falsifying academic records is fraudulent and unethical; teachers must refuse and report such requests.