“The educator, believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, recognizes the supreme importance of the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, and the nurture of democratic principles. Essential to these goals is the protection of the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal educational opportunity for all.”
“The educator strives to help each candidate realize his or her potential as a worthy and effective member of society. The educator therefore works to stimulate the spirit of inquiry, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and the thoughtful formulation of worthy goals.”
“The educator recognizes the magnitude of the responsibility inherent in the teaching process. The desire for the respect and confidence of one’s colleagues, of candidates, of parents and of the members of the community, provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest possible degree of ethical conduct.”
Professional conduct is inherent in the philosophical and ethical statements noted above. Integrity, fairness, empathy, commitment and dependability are attributes the professional educator strives to maintain. Discrimination, indifference, self-interest, gossip and insensitivity diminish the character and stature of any individual. Bluffton University anticipates that its representatives in any field experience or clinical practice assignment will maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.
(The quotations above are excepted from the National Education Association Standards statements and are suggested as a guide for professional conduct and philosophical commitment)
