I understand why teachers are held to higher standards in our society, but why can't the "teacher standard" be the same standard that everyone in our society aims to meet? Teachers obviously need to act morally and ethically because they come into contact with young impressionable minds all day, every day. The impact that a teacher's ill behavior can have on his students is tremendous, but isn't it the same for any adult who behaves immorally or unethically in the presence of a child?
Students spend a great amount of time in the school system, and they learn much more than the core curriculum. School is where students learn to interact with each other and become a productive and intelligent member of society. No mother wants her child to go to school day after day and be influenced by a teacher with less than exceptional moral fiber. Parents should be especially concerned because their children spend as much time learning from their teachers as they do from their own parents.
Teachers need to be guardians and protectors of morality so that tomorrow's leaders don't lose sight of the aspects in life that matter the most.
3 comments:
Hey Cody,
You and I have very similar views on this topic, which is a very good thing. It would be absolutely horrible if there were teachers with poor ethics and behaviors. Students are very impressionable and you are right when you say “teachers need to be guardians and protectors of morality so that tomorrow's leaders don't lose sight of the aspects in life that matter the most.” I also like the fact you bring the parents into the picture. Parents are even more important than the teacher and the parents should know what type of teacher their child is learning from.
Kudos to you on your excellent post, my good sir. I agree with everything you had to say on this topic. I have a feeling that a good portion of our society has yet to view things in this manner- everyone should have the moral and ethical standards as an educator working with children everyday. We are the guardians and the protectors, and I have a feeling society will still view things in a seperate manner: "Well, he's their teacher..." If that is the case, then it is our duty to own up to the plate and make some magic happen. I will be very interested to see how you expand on this in your paper- I feel this could quickly turn into a tasty can of worms being unleashed upon this topic!
I totally agree with the idea of the "teacher standard" being used to measure the rest of society as well. Too many people in this country set poor examples for youth here, and why should teachers be the only ones to set a good example? At the same time, teachers have always been expected to good role models for the students, especially those who come from negative home environments. I really liked your comment, "No mother wants her child to go to school day after day and be influenced by a teacher with less than exceptional moral fiber." It really speaks to the reality of what teachers are expected to be, especially from a parental perspective.
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