Part 5-Code of Ethics Reflection

Education is a serious business and should be taken seriously.  Educators have an obligation to the district and the community to serve as leaders.  Educators must uphold the Code of Ethics that is outlined in the Texas Administrator’s Code.  All district personnel should follow a code of integrity that allows them to be respected by colleagues and staff.  Unfortunately, we hear very little in the media about the educators that have integrity and much about educators who don’t.  Those members of society are exceptions to the rules and must be viewed this way.  In most cases, educators want the best for their students and want to serve as a model for the children that are strongly influenced by their actions and words.  A school administrator is a leader in the community.  He/she must follow the ethical standards set by his/her district and serve as a moral leader to the students, staff, families, and other administrators in the district.   In reflecting on this, I recall a paraphrase of the verse, “For whom much is given, much is required.”  When you are placed in a leadership position, you have an obligation to those that work with you and for you to serve as an example of an effective and trustworthy leader.  A respected administrator upholds personal integrity, compassion, responsibility, and honesty, knowing that these are needed to inspire public confidence and trust.  An education leader must realize that both the staff and the students look up to you.  There are few jobs where eyes are always on your words and your actions, and both must be chosen carefully.  Staff morale and the school climate are based on the sound decision making of the administrators.