Promoting ethical education

In an era where ethical decision-making matters more than ever for educators, ProEthica stands as a powerful tool that promotes both ethical education and teaching excellence.

This innovative professional-development program, which is aligned to the Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE), gives teachers a comprehensive framework so that they can better navigate their profession’s complex ethical landscape. 

First and foremost, ProEthica's approach is rooted in the understanding that teaching is an inherently ethical practice "that requires teachers to manage dilemmas of various kinds and to act in ways that support students' best interests, sometimes in the face of countervailing pressures.” As such, ProEthica equips educators with the knowledge and skills to make decisions that prioritize these interests.

Ethics as practical skills application

ProEthica uses a series of seven interactive modules.

The program delves into critical areas such as "boundaries with students, appropriate relationships with members of the school community, appropriate use of technology, and applications of ethical decision-making.” Ultimately, the program's effectiveness lies in its practical application of skills. To wit, it presents real-life scenarios that teachers face every day. 

At ETS, our research suggests that ProEthica is achieving its intended outcomes. Teachers who completed the program reported "increased thoughtfulness about their actions with students, heightened awareness of the consequences of their decisions, and improved ability to navigate ethical scenarios." Moreover, participants indicated feeling "more comfortable talking with colleagues about professional ethics."  

Yet ProEthica's impact also extends into the broader school culture through the belief that "teachers, in their interactions with students, the school, and the community, cultivate an ethical school culture." By promoting a shared understanding of professional ethics standards, the program helps create a more ethically aware and responsible educational environment. Furthermore, it addresses the critical need for ongoing professional development. Essentially, ethics education enhances quality teaching because it promotes "students' cognitive moral judgment development, making them more likely to find the most rationally defensible solutions to the ethical dilemmas encountered at work.” 

The end result? Greater teaching excellence as teachers "learn how to better balance the often-competing obligations and expectations in their relationships with students, the school and the community" and gain "a better understanding of general obligations under the law, relevant regulations and best practices."

A transformative culture

ProEthica provides educators with the tools to navigate ethical challenges, foster open discussions about professional ethics, and cultivate an ethical school culture.

As such, it contributes significantly to the professionalization of teaching. The world of education will continue to face new challenges – that's a given. But programs like ProEthica will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that ethical considerations remain central to the practice of teaching, both for students and for society as a whole.

Want to try out ProEthica for yourself?