I’ve been trying to track down an existing oath or code of ethics, used by teachers in Canada. I haven’t had much success. I did however locate bits and pieces, other comments and requests, ideas and theories, and other things that refer to a code of some kind.
I stumbled onto the hippocratic oath of physicians? I found it interesting.
I swear by Apollo, Asclepius, Hygieia, and Panacea, and I take to witness all the gods, all the goddesses, to keep according to my ability and my judgment, the following Oath.
To consider dear to me, as my parents, him who taught me this art; to live in common with him and, if necessary, to share my goods with him; To look upon his children as my own brothers, to teach them this art.
I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone.
I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan; and similarly I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion.
But I will preserve the purity of my life and my arts.
I will not cut for stone, even for patients in whom the disease is manifest; I will leave this operation to be performed by practitioners, specialists in this art.
In every house where I come I will enter only for the good of my patients, keeping myself far from all intentional ill-doing and all seduction and especially from the pleasures of love with women or with men, be they free or slaves.
All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession or in daily commerce with men, which ought not to be spread abroad, I will keep secret and will never reveal.
If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all men and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my lot.
I found a teachers oath online (http://ematusov.soe.udel.edu/oath/). A link to the history of this oath shows that it was made by an educator who could not locate any such oath online. So far it looks good, but I will need to spend time making that I fully understand it before I appropriate it.
To consider dear to me as my loved ones, those who taught me this art; to live in common with them and if necessary share my goods with them; to look upon their children as my own brothers and sisters, to teach them this art if they so desire without fee or written promise; to impart to my sons and daughters and the sons and daughters of the master who taught me and the disciples who have enrolled themselves and have agreed to the rules of the profession, but to these alone, the precepts and the instruction.
I will strive to facilitate learning and implement a curriculum for the good of my students according to my ability and my judgment and never knowingly do harm to anyone.
I will keep an open ear to hear those who I may unknowingly cause pain to and try my best to see the error of my ways and turn from them.
To please no one (e.g., state, school administration, parents, taxpayers, myself) will I prescribe a "one size fits all" curriculum and assessment techniques, but rather I will be aware that students learn in different ways, in different timelines and may exhibit that which they have in a multitude of styles.
Nor will I become so stagnant or complacent with that which I know that I will cease seeking further education for myself; and if such a time occurs, I will reconsider my involvement in this profession.
Also, in my zeal to help every student I encounter I will still realize my limitations and if necessary call upon the assistance and guidance of another.
In every school where I come I will enter only for the good of all students, keeping myself far from all intentional or unintentional ill‑doing and all seduction, and especially from the human tendencies to stereotype those who are the same or different from me and to place blame within the student when it appears that learning has not occurred.
Whatever, a problem I perceived as a teacher, I promise to consider my own teaching first and foremost in search of a solution.
I will also be sensitive to the needs and other obligations of those that work with or for me and remain open to their suggestions by prioritizing learning needs and well‑being of my students over other concerns and goals.
Above all these things, I will never forget that I was once a student in my students' position, keeping in mind the obstacles that I once faced.
All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession or outside my profession or in daily interaction with the public, I will not keep secret but will reveal to anyone with an open ear.
If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my lot.
Designed and signed first by Stephanie of Drye, June 16th of 2000, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware U.S.A.
If anyone has any leads towards finding any such oath used in Canada and North America, please let me know either by comment or email.
Photo: A pendant of Dionysus, bringer of the hangover!
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