Tough choices for teachers: ethical challenges in today’s schools and classrooms

Abstract

Reviews the book, "Tough choices for teachers: Ethical challenges in today's schools and classrooms" by Robert Infantino & Rebecca Wilke (2009). This book is designed to engage pre-service and in-service teachers in reflection upon a variety of ethical dilemmas that can arise in K–12 settings. The book is essentially divided into two parts. The two opening chapters offer readers a working definition of ethics, as well as an overview of different religious and philosophical frameworks useful in contemplating ethical dilemmas. The succeeding chapters then provide 12 case-studies 'based on real-life stories' that are designed to engage readers in reflection upon ethical issues in the areas of grading, time management, hiring and interactions with colleagues, parents, students and supervisors. Each of these case-studies is preceded by the authors' 'Initial thoughts' on the topics raised by the case study and then followed by 'Questions for consideration'. The case study method seems like a useful and effective tool for engaging educators in discussion and reflection on the types of ethical dilemmas they will encounter over the course of their careers. Quite a number of the case studies embedded in Tough choices for teachers would be ideal for such endeavors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)