Embedding character into your practice

In your new role you will be in an environment that has created a certain set of values and moral behaviours that align with the vision of the Headteacher.

These may be behaviour policies, British Values, or other systems that work for the demographic of that school and the children it serves. It is important that you understand what this vision is and take onboard how things work in your new school.

Much of your time as an ECT will be spent learning the new systems of your school, developing your practice in the classroom and forming positive and healthy working relationships with new staff and students. 

Whilst you are developing your practice, you will also use your character to help you gain a footing in your new setting.

It is important that you have given some thought to ‘who’ you are in the classroom and ‘how’ you will be with others. 

Going through your ECT phase provides a good opportunity for you to really embed your character within your new setting.

If we look at civic virtues of volunteering and service, these are already apparent within you due to the career path you have chosen.

Schools rely on their professional staff to make important decisions about their students.

As we discussed earlier, these decisions will involve moral and ethical dilemmas. If you refer back to the Building Blocks of Character, you will find a virtue you can use as an ‘anchor’ to work from.