This unit provides a foundational overview of ethics and deontology in educational contexts. Students will begin by exploring key definitions and distinctions between ethics and deontology, followed by an examination of the historical development of ethics in teaching. The unit introduces essential ethical frameworks—virtue ethics, consequentialism, and deontology—and emphasizes their relevance to education. Finally, learners will reflect on the role of ethics in shaping teacher identity, values, and everyday professional practice.
Ethics and deontology provide a moral compass for teachers, helping them navigate complex classroom situations. As educators, grounding one’s practice in ethical reasoning ensures a principled, reflective approach to the profession.