The professional ethos of teachers

Abstract

The pedagogical assignment of the school concerns the general personality development of students, their socio-emotional development, citizenship education and the moral development of students. These aims and claims form an integral part of the professional profile of teachers. In our presentation we will discuss an instrument that can help teachers to reflect upon the ethical dimensions of their daily activities. According to Oser and Althof (1993) three aspects are essential in the professional identity of teachers: ¡effectiveness, thoughtfulness and responsibility¢. In the instrument we will discuss the theme of responsibility is elaborated. This responsibility comes to the fore in the various ethical questions that the teacher is confronted with. The instrument -the so-called ethos procedure- consists of different activities which teachers can apply to think in a systematic way about the ethical dimension of their own work situation and professional experiences. The instrument that we have developed can assist teachers in their reflection and dialogue with colleagues about the ethical factor in their day-to-day activities and decisions