FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is Mr. Taylor's ethical obligation after witnessing an inappropriate situation involving a colleague and a student?

1. Ignore the incident as it is personal

2. Report the incident to school administration

3. Speak directly with the colleague about it

4. Consult with a legal advisor

The correct answer is: Report the incident to school administration

Mr. Taylor's ethical obligation is to report the incident to school administration because educators have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their students. Witnessing an inappropriate situation involving a colleague and a student can pose harm to the student, and failing to act can contribute to an unsafe environment. By reporting the incident, Mr. Taylor fulfills his duty to protect the student and uphold the ethical standards of the profession. Moreover, school administrations are typically equipped to handle such matters appropriately, potentially involving investigations and necessary interventions to address the situation. This action not only supports the vulnerable party (the student) but also maintains the integrity of the educational institution. While discussing the situation with the colleague might seem like a way to address concerns directly, it may not be appropriate or effective given the seriousness of the incident. Additionally, consulting with a legal advisor could be overly cautious and may delay the necessary response to protect the student. Ignoring the incident altogether is against ethical guidelines and compromises student safety. Reporting to the administration is the most responsible and ethical course of action in this scenario.