Ethical review on teachers' relations with the school environment

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of teachers with the school environment from an ethical perspective, according to teachers ’ opinions. In this research, a case study design from the qualitative research method was used. The research data were obtained through face-to-face interviews with 20 teachers working in Sultanbeyli, Pendik, and Kartal districts of Istanbul. The data collection tool of the research was the semistructured interview form developed by the researchers. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using the descriptive analysis technique, and the participants ’ opinions were gathered under five themes (ethical behaviors of teachers, ethical decision making, increasing ethical sensitivity, unethical behaviors, and the harms of unethical behaviors). Because of the research, it was determined that the ethical competencies of teachers should be increased, that teachers should be role models for their followers, and that they should have several ethical competencies. Additionally, the study identified that teachers engaged in some unethical behaviors that negatively impacted the environment and students. For teachers to make ethical decisions in their relations with the environment, it is considered important that decision makers implement policies that function to increase their ethical awareness level.