Question

Which of the following is a core principle of professional ethics for teachers?

• A. Discrimination
• B. Maintaining professional boundaries
• C. Breaching confidentiality
• D. Favoritism

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Maintaining professional boundaries

Core Principles of Professional Ethics for Teachers

• Maintaining Professional Boundaries is a cornerstone of ethical conduct for educators. It involves establishing and upholding clear limits in relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to ensure a safe, respectful, and effective learning environment.
• Respect for Student Dignity and Rights: Teachers must treat all students with respect, recognizing their individuality and protecting their rights. This includes fostering an inclusive environment free from discrimination, harassment, and exploitation.
• Professional Competence and Growth: Educators have an ethical obligation to maintain and improve their professional knowledge and skills. This involves continuous learning, staying updated with pedagogical advancements, and reflecting on their practice.
• Integrity and Honesty: Teachers are expected to be honest and act with integrity in all their professional dealings. This includes accurate record-keeping, fair assessment practices, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
• Confidentiality: Protecting sensitive student information is paramount. Teachers must maintain confidentiality regarding student records, personal circumstances, and communications, sharing information only when legally or ethically required (e.g., for student welfare).
• Responsibility to the Profession: This includes collaborating with colleagues, contributing to the development of the teaching profession, and upholding its reputation.

Relevance to Competitive Exams:

• Questions on professional ethics often appear in exams for teaching positions (e.g., TGT, PGT, CTET, TET).
• Understanding these principles is crucial for interpreting case studies and scenario-based questions that test a candidate's judgment in ethical dilemmas.
• Candidates should be able to identify ethical versus unethical behavior based on established professional standards.
• Emphasis is placed on practical application of ethics in the classroom and school setting.