The Ethical Teacher: Using the Ethical Triangle to Make Tough Classroom Decisions
Welcome to Brain Fusion with Mr. VanDusen! Today, we’re diving into an essential aspect of teaching: ethics. As educators, we constantly face ethical dilemmas, and how we handle them impacts our students, colleagues, and ourselves. To navigate these challenges, I want to introduce a tool I teach in the Army called the Ethical Triangle—a simple yet powerful way to approach decision-making.
What is the Ethical Triangle?
Imagine a triangle with three key points:
- Principles (Rules-Based Ethics) – What do the rules, policies, or laws dictate?
- Consequences (Ends-Based Ethics) – What are the potential outcomes of the decision?
- Virtue (Character-Based Ethics) – What would a good, moral person do in this situation?
Let’s explore how this applies to real-world classroom scenarios.
Scenario 1: Confidentiality vs. Safety
A student confides in you about a personal issue that may indicate they are at risk. Maybe they’re experiencing trouble at home or feel unsafe due to bullying.
Principles Approach: School policy mandates that any sign of danger must be reported. It’s a clear-cut rule—reporting is required.
Consequences Approach: Reporting the issue might break the student’s trust, but it could also protect them from harm.
Virtue Approach: A caring and responsible teacher prioritizes student safety, even if it means damaging trust in the short term.
Decision: Teachers are mandatory reporters. While you should acknowledge the student’s trust in you, their safety takes priority.
Scenario 2: Fairness in Grading
A student asks for extra credit after missing assignments due to personal issues, illness, or vacation.
Principles Approach: School or district grading policies apply equally to all students. If extra credit is not part of the policy, it should not be offered.
Consequences Approach: Allowing extra credit may help the student catch up, but it could be seen as unfair to others who completed their work on time.
Virtue Approach: A compassionate and fair teacher considers individual circumstances and models ethical behavior.
Decision: Consider creating an extra credit opportunity available to all students, ensuring fairness while providing a way for motivated students to improve.
Scenario 3: A Disruptive Student
A student frequently disrupts class. Should you send them to the office?
Principles Approach: School rules may require you to document and report disruptions.
Consequences Approach: Sending the student out may stop the disruption but could also damage your relationship with them.
Virtue Approach: A patient, understanding teacher finds a way to correct behavior while maintaining student dignity.
Decision: Address the behavior in a way that keeps the class on track while showing the student respect. Engage mentors, counselors, or administrators for support when needed.
Final Thoughts
- Err on the side of safety. As a mandatory reporter, always take action when a student may be in danger.
- You are their teacher, not their friend. Your role is to educate, guide, and protect—not to be their peer.
- Keep the conversation going. Discuss ethical dilemmas with colleagues and mentors to refine your decision-making skills.
What would you do in these situations? Share your thoughts in the comments!
If you found this helpful, please share with your fellow educators and subscribe for more insights on ethical teaching. Let’s keep learning together!
Get the FREE download of the Ethical Triangle Here: https://johnvandusen.com/books%2Fjournals%2Fproducts/ols/categories/downloads
Watch the podcast episode here: https://youtu.be/HQapLnYuc8I
👨🏫 About John VanDusen:
John has been teaching elementary and middle school since 2007 and serves as a coach and instructor for the U.S. Army Reserves. This podcast is here to give teachers fast, practical strategies for busy educators to enhance their classrooms.
See more at www.johnvandusen.com
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