Activity: Interview a principal.

Ask him/her to address ethical challenges that he/she

faced and how they were resolved.
Description: Two principals were interviewed about the most difficult ethical issues they
have faced.
Administrator A (Elementary School Principal):
1. What are some ethical challenges you may have faced during your career as an
administrator?
Sometimes I have had issues with teachers behaviors outside of school. I explain
to each of my teachers that his/her behavior outside of this building is a direct
reflection of you, your teaching profession, and everyone in this building.
If a child is tearing up a classroom-he or she has to go. He has a right to
education but he doesnt have right to take away the other 19.
2. How were these challenges resolved?
As far are teachers are concerned, we have that very difficult conversation. This is
what was expected of you, and this is what is going to happen because you made
a bad decision. Then we move on from there.
When dealing with a child, I must have a conversation with the parent, and be
sure to have documentation.
**Knowing whats right and wrong and doing it has never been a problem for me!
I have strong ethics and I stand by them. I make and set expectations for my
students, teachers, and parents of my building. They know what I expect. This is
what helps run a building smoothly and effectively. **
Administrator B (Middle School Principal):
1. What are some ethical challenges you may have faced during your career as an
administrator?
The majority of ethical challenges come when you know a parent it not telling the
truth, especially when you know they are being dishonest in front of the student.
This creates an internal battle for me, because such actions are not in the best
interest of the child.
2. How were these challenges resolved?
This is an on-going issue with the society in which we live. As an administrator,
you have to be able to lay your head on the pillow at night knowing you have
done what is in the best interest of those involved with the information you have
to work with.

What did you learn from this experience?

I learned that there are many issues that can take place in a school setting, which can test
ones ethics. There can be issues with teachers, parents, students, etc. I have also learned
that sometimes there are no correct answers in dealing with certain situations. However,
the most important thing I learned is that if you have strong ethics, you stand by them,
and practice them; those things will help when you are faced with a difficult challenge. I
have written a code of ethics, and plan to implement them as I continue to take leadership
roles. I also plan to share them with others, and refer to them often.