Ethics

Good evening everyone, I have just listened to tonight’s Skype call that my husband Dan kindly recorded for me regarding ethics. Above I have posted a picture of ‘Marmite’ why? I often compare myself to this, people do either love me or hate me. I am blunt and honest  when it comes to teaching. Although there are certain rules to be followed. I agree in getting constant forms and GDPR constent. I once had a parent complain when we filmed her daughter without permission and I must admit it gave me great pleasure in reminding her she had signed a form. In other words she hates me lol.

In all seriousness the chat was extremely reflective in my own practise. Dan mentioned the difference in working for yourself with you own ethics and working for others and working to their ethics. And Rhoda led with you should never change your teaching style. My ‘tough love’ ethics led to me leaving a particular school which I have recently written about in my second AOL. I personally could not continue not being myself. We once did a number from ‘School of Rock’ where the kids had to stick their middle fingers up. As the age range of the class is the same on the ‘west end’ stage I didn’t ask the parents permission, I simply told them this is what we would be studying. It’s a very much if you don’t like it, you know where the door is approach. Kids will be and are already exposed to much more than I was. Social media wasn’t a thing. But I am very open and honest in class. I teach a mixed adult and teenage class where I speak to everyone at the same level, no exceptions.

At the end of the call Helen mentioned being considerate in the way we say things to certain students. I explained to Tara earlier that I never allow students to ask for the toilet they must simply say where they are going. This is due to my limitations. At school I was refused permission to go to the toilet.....I have Crohn’s disease...I got up and left of my own accord. Just because an adult is telling a child what to do doesn’t mean their judgement is correct.

Although I am a harsh teacher I really do care about their learning and realistic options for the future whether it be in dance or not. Being the best version of yourself and applying it. My inclusive ethics with disabilities, black, white, gay, straight is that everyone is equal. This can be a ‘marmite’ situation people can be racist and homophobic. This could be because of political or cultural beliefs. We are aware of the differences and challenges particular students face but everyone is here for one reason, to work hard and to perform.