I
am a professional educator and am employed by the local school
district. My church calling is very similar to my professional
assignment, and I often interact with the same families at church and
school.
As
I am an authority figure in both areas of their children's lives,
many parents ask me questions at church about other educators and
situations at school.
How
do I handle these inquires ethically and without offending?
Answer:
It
is not uncommon to be asked professional questions at church. And any
questions should be answered in full compliance with professional
ethics.
Most
people probably do not know the requirements of your ethical
obligations, and may not realize they have asked you something you
cannot answer. So you should take a professional tone, to signal that
you are no longer having a regular social interaction. Then directly,
but tactfully, say that you cannot answer because of professional
ethics.
Then
offer whatever comment or suggestion you may have that does not
violate your ethical code.
For
example, if a ward member asks you a question about her child’s
teacher that you cannot answer for ethical reasons, you might
respond, “I can’t discuss teacher performance reviews.
But you could talk with the principal about your concerns.”
If
someone asks you about another student, you might say, “Student
disciplinary records are confidential, so I can’t talk about
other students or what has happened in the past. But for the kind of
situation you are describing, you might try….”
As
long as you are direct and kind, do not worry if people are offended
at your non-response.
But
if a ward member is offended that you will not answer his question,
be kind, but firm. “I’m sorry. But it would be unethical
of me to answer.” If necessary, you could add that you could
lose your job (or license) for the ethical violation. But I prefer
the appeal to your ethics because it shows that you are doing what
you believe is right, not just what your employer wants you to do.
If
you respond this way, you will actually build trust with your ward
members. They will know what kind of information you can and cannot
disclose, and will feel confident that you are a person of integrity
who will, in turn, keep their confidences.
Do
you have a quandary, conundrum, or sticky situation in your life?
Click this button to drop Cyndie a line, and she’ll be happy to
answer your question in a future column. Any topic is welcome!
Cynthia Munk Swindlehurst spent her childhood in New Hampshire and her
adolescence in San Diego. She served a mission in Manaus Brazil. She
graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in English and from
Duke University with a law degree.
She practiced law until her first child was born. She enjoys reading, tap
dancing, and discussing current events. She and her husband live in
Greensboro, North Carolina with their two sons.
Cyndie serves as the Sunbeams teacher in her ward.