The Ethical Educator: Pointers and Pitfalls for School Administrators

The Ethical Educator: Pointers & Pitfalls for School Administrators is a practical guide for school administrators facing ethical dilemmas, featuring 100 real-life cases and insights from experienced administrators. It covers various aspects of administration, including First Amendment and religious liberty issues, personnel and board relations, and provides legal parameters and case law. By reflecting on the cases, readers can develop their ethical judgment and become more effective leaders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The Ethical Educator: Pointers & Pitfalls for School Administrators is a valuable resource for education leaders at the school and district levels, providing practical guidance and insights into ethical situations they may encounter in their daily work. The book features 100 real-life cases drawn from the Ethical Educator column of School Administrator magazines over the past ten years, covering a wide range of administrative issues, including First Amendment and religious liberty, personnel and board relations, and more. Each case presents a unique dilemma and offers an opportunity for the reader to consider how they might handle a similar situation and reflect on the perspectives of experienced administrators who have faced similar challenges.

The book begins with a down-to-earth introduction by a nationally recognized school district attorney, who provides valuable legal parameters and case law relevant to the cases. Making ethical decisions is a critical aspect of administration, as these decisions set precedents that shape how others perceive our ethical judgment and the ethical identity of the school or district. The Ethical Educator aims to help the reader become a more effective education administrator, a more courageous leader of a school organization, and a more ethical human being.

The cases in the book are diverse and challenging, covering a wide range of administrative issues and contexts. They include situations such as a school district's decision to close a school due to budget cuts, a teacher's use of social media in the classroom, and a board member's conflict of interest. Each case provides a detailed analysis of the ethical issues involved, including the legal implications, the perspectives of the stakeholders, and the potential solutions.

One of the key strengths of the Ethical Educator is its emphasis on the importance of empathy and understanding. The authors recognize that ethical decisions are not just about following the law but also about considering the impact of our actions on others. They encourage the reader to take a compassionate and empathetic approach to ethical dilemmas, and to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders involved.

Another important aspect of the book is its practicality. The cases are presented in a clear and concise manner, with step-by-step instructions on how to handle each situation. The authors also provide resources and tools that can help the reader implement ethical practices in their own school or district.

However, the Ethical Educator is not without its challenges. Some of the cases may be difficult to relate to, particularly for those who have not worked in the education field. Additionally, some of the ethical issues may be complex and require a deep understanding of legal and ethical principles.

To address these challenges, the authors have included a glossary of legal terms and a list of resources for further reading. They have also provided a discussion forum where readers can share their experiences and insights with other education leaders.

In conclusion, The Ethical Educator: Pointers & Pitfalls for School Administrators is a valuable resource for education leaders at the school and district levels. It provides practical guidance and insights into ethical situations they may encounter in their daily work, and encourages the reader to take a compassionate and empathetic approach to ethical dilemmas. While some of the cases may be difficult to relate to, the book is well-written and provides a wealth of information and resources. Whether you are a seasoned administrator or a new educator, this book is sure to help you become a more effective and ethical leader.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781475865547