Abstract

The importance of professional and/or practical ethics cannot be overstated in most occupations, especially in light of our contemporary, interconnected world. Within formal education, the management paradigm is shifting as a result of a continuing refocus on the moral and ethical dimensions of working and leading in schools. Although professional norms and personal qualities of the educator can be powerful in directing and informing work-related judgment and behavior, this book puts forth and expands upon the viability of a professional ethic for education and educational administration and leadership in particular. The expansion of such an ethic for education has been underway, but in its current state could be viewed as underdeveloped or commonly misunderstood as obvious and simplistic. In this book, such an ethic for educational administration is presented, developed, and interrogated. This critical reader makes a strong argument for the legitimacy of a professional ethic for the field of education by drawing together a diverse collection of literature that explores, critically examines, and further develops a practical ethical paradigm for the field.