In schools across the country, teachers and administrators are faced with ethical dilemmas each and every day. As leaders in the early childhood field, how we
handle these dilemmas will largely impact our students and their families, our staff, and the school as a whole. No matter what the dilemma may be, our job is
to take an ethical stance and ensure that teachers alike are upholding those values. When ethics are in question, as leaders we must step in and take action.
This action thus ensures that children are provided care and education in settings that are safe and responsive for each child. When we do this, we are
exhibiting the first pillar of becoming a Whole Teacher, practicing intentional teaching.
Case Study 1:
The school has been buzzing all week in preparation for the upcoming multicultural parade. As the supervisor, you are thrilled with the wonderful classroom
and hallway displays that represent how your school embraces and values each and every culture. As you are outside one of the kindergarten classrooms looking
at the display, you overhear a conversation between the teacher and her teaching assistant. In the conversation, the teacher expresses her unhappiness about
having to teach about other cultures, and how she feels that children should have to embrace the American culture.
As the supervisor you are not only surprised, but concerned that this teacher’s personal belief will impact her conduct with her students. Your school’s
mission is deeply rooted in an anti-bias education, so you realize that you will have to discuss this issue with the teacher.
Assignment Directions:
For this assignment you will pose an ethical solution to one of the chosen case studies. Your assignment must include the following:
State which case study you chose and your rationale for choosing it. (0.5 points)
Summarize your role as the leader of this school in fostering the knowledge and skills of your staff. (1 point)
Explain how you will handle the delicate nature of this topic. How will you stand firm in your expectations while still showing respect and care for the
teacher? (1 point)
Explain, from a leaders perspective, how you will incorporate the principles from the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct into your discussion with this teacher.
(1.5 points)
Integrate current research as support for why it is important that adjustments are made in this classroom, and the overall impact those changes will have on
children’s growth and development. You must include at least two scholarly peer reviewed resources to defend your stance on why adjustments must be made. (1
point)
Propose specific, evidenced-based strategies that can be used in the classroom to promote either an anti-bias or gender-neutral approach to teaching. (2
points)
Generate a goal for the teacher for the implementation of these strategies and adjustments. Include a time-frame for the teacher’s implementation of the
strategies, and how you will support the teacher in making these changes. (1 point)
Sample Solution