An experienced educator, Mr. ‘X’ has great popularity among his pupils. It is not unusual to see children in his classroom after school because he regularly offers them extra support. Over the course of two years, he has coached one student, “Swati,” in a number of topics. Throughout that period, Mr. ‘X’ has sent emails using his personal email account from Swati’s cell phone. Initially, the communications were somewhat generic, for example, inquiring about a sick family member with Swati. The kid started texting her teacher more recently, discussing more intimate topics. [Answer Limit: 250 words] [UKPSC 2012]
I. What questions or worries can this circumstance bring up?
II: How can this turn into a breach of
In the scenario involving Mr. ‘X’ and Swati, several concerns arise:
I: Possible Issues/Concerns
II: Violation of the Professional Code of Conduct
This situation can violate the professional code of conduct for teachers, which emphasizes maintaining appropriate boundaries with students. Engaging in personal communication outside of educational contexts can lead to perceptions of favoritism or inappropriate relationships, undermining the trust essential in educational environments.
III: What Should Mr. ‘X’ Do?
Mr. ‘X’ should take immediate steps to address the situation:
By taking these steps, Mr. ‘X’ can ensure a professional and ethical teaching environment while addressing the concerns raised by this scenario.