The Fargo School District's recent administrative finding that an elementary teacher created an atmosphere of intimidation and bullying for students in her class is professionally worrisome, especially given the developmental vulnerability of elementary school students. Historically, the concept of professionalism originated within medicine and law. The first responsibility of a professional was chronicled with piercing clarity 2,500 years ago in the Hippocratic Oath of the Greek physician: Primum non nocere, "Above all, not knowingly to do harm."
Harvard University ethicist Joseph Badaracco observes that students have a basic human right to be treated with respect and dignity and to learn without needless anxiety and suffering. As professionals, educators must understand what results they are accountable for including the advancement of human knowledge, creation of meaning, generation of learning capabilities, and contribution to the greater good. As professionals, educators must also assume full responsibility for their impact on students' emotional and academic lives.
In the everydayness of professional life, exemplary educators pursue completing themselves by embracing a mind-set involving an alchemy of continuous learning, openness to developmental feedback, rigorous self-critique, self-reflection and coaching expertise. Authentic coaching expresses a moral commitment to helping others to complete themselves through continuous learning. The next time that you visit with your child's teacher, consider asking him or her, not "How many times have you taught at this grade level or subject? But instead "Who is your coach?"
Bowman lives in Fargo.
