Module 4-Trusting

   "Ethical behaviour lies at the core of every profession"

(CASW as referenced in Perrault et al., 2024)

    

     I feel like I always come back to my educational background when I talk about what I connect with in each module, but I think that is okay considering what a big part of my life it is. This module was all about ethics and values, things I believe as a teacher it is vital to have a strong understanding of both of those things. 

Trust is earned,

Trust is conditional.

    The CASW Scope of Practice (2020) reading was especially thought-provoking as it contained a lot of what I consider when reflecting on my position as a future teacher. This is because it is something that gets a bit blurry in my chosen profession. What I mean is that so many different people have different ideas about what an ethical scope of practice is for a teacher. Some think all we should do is teach the basics of math, science, and language arts and send students on their way. What has to be understood to maintain an ethical practice, however, is that students are going to learn more than that from us simply because of our proximity. Because of this, students are bound to pick up behaviours based on what they see at school. So, my scope of practice goes further than just the idea of teaching subjects, it also expands to teaching students how to be a person.

I am not the gardener, I am part of the garden.🍃

Children observe, so I must be mindful of what I show.

    The "Ethics and Values" video also speaks about confidentiality and building trust with clients. I really felt validated by this as it is another aspect of my practice I consider often. Current legislation in Alberta is attempting to take more privacy rights from children and by extension could create unsafe circumstances. How do I navigate trusting relationships with students while keeping transparency with parents? The readings and videos of this module all point to consistent communication.

Needs are met through communication.

Speak to those who will listen, uplift those who will not be heard.

 

    From that video, I keep thinking about the mention of the fact that “inequality is deeply embedded within society” (Perrault et al., 2024, 9:01). Social workers and teachers have no choice but to take an intersectional approach in their practice as we literally operate in systems designed to uphold oppression. I can see change coming, but for now, I hold onto my mindfulness and reflections to avoid personally doing harm. 

I have a responsibility to uphold.

My reward is theirs.

 A Reflection on Core Social Work Values and Principles

1. Respect for the inherent dignity and worth of persons.
2. Pursuit of Social Justice
3. Service to humanity
4. Integrity of professional practice
5. Confidentiality in professional practice
6. Competence in professional practice

(CASW as referenced in Perrault et al., 2024)

    What struck me about the core social work values and principles was how commonsensical they are. The last three are profession-based, but the first three seem to be basic principles of being a human. I wonder how these values will grow and evolve with the changing of social work practices? I wonder how much these are really upheld in institutional spaces? I intend to keep these values in mind both in work practice and in life.

Ethos

The pursuit of social justice

is a neverending endeavour.

Things can always be better.

I can always do better.

I am shaping young minds.

May I teach them empathy.

May I teach them to serve themselves,

and to serve humanity.

From Canva