Competency 11. Values & Ethics of Leading
a. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of education in a democratic society
b. Model democratic system values, ethics, choices and moral leadership
c. Demonstrate the ability to balance complex community demands in the best interest of all learners
d. Help others grow and develop as caring, informed citizens
e. Demonstrate and understanding of Code of Ethics for Minnesota School Administrators (3512.5200)
Reflection: Values & Ethics of Leading
Ruth Paisley, Spring 2011
Minnesota State Statute highlights ethical considerations and due process when concerns arise for the ethical professional work of school administrators in Minnesota Rule 3512.5200. The list of ethical responsibilities parallel the more specific licensing competencies that each school administrator candidate works toward in course work, internships, and professional life leading up to securing an administrative position.
The ethical responsibilities include providing educational services in a non-discriminatory manner, which is addressed more deeply in the competencies of Diversity Leadership, Policy and Law, Community Relations, and Communication. The ethical consideration of providing for a safe environment clearly aligns with the competency of Safety and Security but also HR Management, Organizational Management, and Curriculum Planning and Development in hiring and training staff who value safe and responsive environments, organizing for a community culture, and teaching students the expectations of a safe and secure school.
Of particular interest is the licensing language in the Statute. In many school districts more and more central office and building level administration reductions are occuring as budgets demand front line staff – teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, and so on. It seems more administrative duties are either prioritized out of the scope of work able to be completed or delegated to other staff – interns, special assignment personnel, etc. with less time for supervision of the work being completed. I wonder if there is a tipping point of cost – benefit with administrative reductions? Has this been discussed in the research? It seems to be a critical issue for administrators at this time.
One way I have found support for my values in delivering special education services is to hold an active membership in my professional organization. The journals, newsletters, and now social networking sites provide a valuable resource for guidance in knowing what is important and what works when educating students and working with families. As a board member and officer of Minnesota DEC – Council for Exceptional Children, I learned that when you are lost in the day to day, sometimes grim, details that cloud your thinking about what is important for children contact with other leaders and reading nationally supported information can help you regain sight of the purpose of the work. Other leaders also model strategies for work in difficult situations.
I have been student member of the Minnesota Administrator’s of Special Education for the past two years. This membership, while not as active due to work schedules and duties, has kept me in touch with current issues for special education administrators. I also have been able to attend a few of the New Special Education Administrators sessions offered through MASE. Connections with a professional organization such as this can be a lifeline for an administrator in a position that could otherwise be very lonely or overwhelming at times. The MASE website link below has been valuable to me in my work toward licensure. The connection to this organization has been very helpful to me in completing the licensure program as a recipient of the Benson / Stenswick Scholarship. The school leadership values of support for new leaders, encouragement, providing relvant, current information, and life-long learning can be found in connection to a professional organization and be emotionally and ethically supportive to school leaders.
Artifacts:
Code of Ethics State Statute:
Code of Ethics for Administrators.pdf (81,6 kB)
Minnesota Administrator's of Special Education (MASE) Professional Organization Website: