An Ethical Dilemma In The Workplace The Dilemma;
An Assistant Teacher, from my Counseling Ministry, has worked for twenty years in many types of school setting and with students from grades Pre-K to High school. During her career, she has encounter unfavorable encounters with her peers, parents and students. One particular incident she received a written reprimand from her supervisor. The supervisor stated she engaged in dishonorable conduct of insubordination. She refuses to abide by the instructions, refuses to follow policies, and refused to perform designated work. It also said she was neglecting one’s own job, duties, and responsibility or provided the best possible service as an Assistant Teacher. The reprimand threatens her probationary period as well as threatens to immediately dismiss her from her position. Ms. Lee decided to seek my help for counsel.
The Problem Ms. Lee was told she needed to improve communication, grammar and language while speaking to parents and students. Needed to gain knowledge and perform the position, which hired for, in regards to customer relationships. Need to maintain that position as well as confidentiality. Classroom management guidelines were need for a conducive environment. Co-operative and Initiative skills were needed to develop with staff and all stakeholders. Loyalty was needed to reflect a professional level.
• How did you or would solve the dilemma, and why you would solve it
Ms. Lee presented a guide line given- an example of what appropriate obligations were needed and how to put them in practice as an Associate. The following the skills were needed to be built:
1. Communicate skills are to be approached to students, teacher, parents, and all staff in a positive manner. Welcome students and their parents (verbal and non-verbal) at every opportunity. Monitor volume and vocal tone and be sure to do it in pleasant mannerism.
2. Classroom Management; follow the guidelines for managing the classroom for age appropriate discipline. Follow developmentally resources in regards to student behavior as directed by the lead teacher for the classroom. Maintain position as hired for, an Assistant- to aid the primary teacher as instructed.
3. Cooperative; expected to conduct responsibilities professionally. Communication with primary teacher in an honorable disposition and should be on going and without disruption for learning. Follow classroom schedules, prepare instruction material, and maintain clerical duties as instructed by the primary teacher.
4. Customer Relations; refer all questions of the parents about a child’s academic and behavioral progress, or illness to the primary teacher. All communications, concerns, or grievances, concerning colleagues are to be address before or after class instruction time.
5. Confidentiality is to be maintaining in the working environment and out in the community setting. No information is to breech concerning staff, parents, students, or other stakeholders.
6. Loyal is to be maintain in the district and public relations to the school. Ms. Lee upholds the following instructions and standards set forth by the Administrations and the state’s Department of Education requirements. And reflects those instructions and policies have never been compromise during her twenty years career in the Educational field. References and witness have maintains she has complied in every avenue. A written response from Ms. Lee was added to the Employee file.
Ms. Lee and I went over every concern and I suggest a journal be kept to see the differences of what were question and the changes made. This was done to follow her process and progress.

• How this dilemma intersects with personal values?
Ms. Lee states that her personal values are guide by her strong and secure relationship with God. And the Word of God, the Bible, reflects every situation. She believes that dilemma was a challenge to her beliefs. For every accusation there was a scripture that address the issues. And a scripture to comfort her. A scripture to show her how to handle each situation. For example, Ecclesiastes said- If your boss is angry with you don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes. So the each circumstance was approach with a quiet manner. Faith says I rely on God. Courage said, my God gives me strength to endure everything that attacks me. Psalms 124:1-8 says Our help is from the Lord. No problem is beyond is ability to solve, no circumstances is too difficult for Him. God would provide out. The dilemma built her person values instead of tearing them apart. And Ms. Lee states she has maintain her position as an Assistant Teacher for an additional five years in the school system just on her personal value which is God.