While creating the simulated ethical issue for EDLP 705, I began to question how I would actually respond to the situation if it really happens. It was very interesting that I went back and forth on my decision. The basis of the scenario was a new teacher (Virginia Mills) discovered an experienced teacher (Robert Smith) taking money from the school-wide fundraiser to buy medicine for his very ill daughter. Robert was planning on returning the money the following week when he got paid. Amanda also had a daughter who was recovering from cancer. She had experience the same difficulties with getting insurance companies to pay for her daughter’s medicine. Robert pleaded with Amanda to not turn him in. He told her that he would lose his job and would not be able to afford the medicine for his daughter. Robert was considered one of the best teachers in the school. He had also helped Amanda during her first few months as a new teacher. What should Amanda do? If I was the principal and Amanda bought this to my attention, what would I do? What if Robert was a horrible teacher and I had tried for years to get rid of him. Would this influence my decision?
I decided to write about this in my ethics journal because I wasn’t sure how I would answer the above questions. If I turn him in, then he would definitely lose his job. It would also be difficult for him to secure another teaching job with this on his background. But, is it unethical to not turn Robert in for stealing, right? Does it matter that he has a very ill daughter?
