There is no such thing as value-free education. There are a number of ways in

which we may unwittingly teach values to our students (both positive and

negative). One of the keys to effective character education is becoming

conscious of the

messages we convey:

Am I sometimes disrespectful toward students? If so, do I admit my

mistake and apologize?

Do I ever treat my fellow staff members with disrespect? Have students

observed this behavior?

How do I respond when I am treated disrespectfully? Have I modeled this

behavior–right or wrong–in front of my students?

How do I respond to my students’ parents? What messages have I conveyed

to them that they have shared with my students?

How do I respond when students disrespect school staff or each other?

Do I seize this opportunity to teach the

values we want our students to learn?

Are questions of right and wrong discussed in my classroom? If not, is

it possible that I am teaching the lesson

that values and character are unimportant?

Do I stress compliance with rules more than I stress the development of

good character?

Have my students observed me hoarding supplies for the future that

other teachers may need today? What does

this teach them about respect for the needs of others?

Am I a good listener? Do I model this skill for my students?

Do I show favoritism in the classroom? If so, what basis do I use for

establishing favorites, and what lesson

does this teach my students?

Do I address the individual needs of my students, or do I too

frequently focus on the class as a whole?

Do I exercise inappropriate power in the classroom, or do I empower my students?

Do I encourage dialogue on ethics, values and character?

Do I teach my students to focus on the far-reaching impact of actions

taken, or do I limit our dialogue to the

narrower questions?

Do I encourage the active participation of my students in classroom

decision making?

Am I a model of integrity?

As teachers, we must consistently model integrity for our students. Young

people are very astute, and they will be our greatest critics.

– Gene Bedley