On a particular day of physical education class, life skills teacher Mrs Tete decides to take her grade 3 class out to the sport field for athletics. The class is excited and are eager to go play and run! The learners are expected to run around the soccer field, and those who run fast and obtain the 1st 3 spots will receive the prizes.
Amongst the learners is Karabo. Karabo is a sweet little girl who lives with her grandmother together with her 3 siblings who are in different grades. Karabo is a well- behaved learner who is amongst the best achievers in Mrs Tete's class. Earlier in the year Karabo's grandmother came to the school to report that Karabo was diagnosed with Asthma and must always carry her asthma pump and use it when necessary. Karabo's friend Thabi always ensure that Karabo's pump is in her school bag every morning when they get to school. On the day that Mrs Tete decided to take the learners to the sport field, Thabi informed Mrs Tete that Karabo had forgotten her asthma pump at home, which Karabo confirmed. Karabo could not fetch her asthma pump at home because her grandmother had gone to the hospital for her monthly checkup. This meant that Karabo could not get her pump that day and had to take extra caution not to aggravate her condition. During the physical education period, Mrs Tete insisted that all learners should go to the sports field and each one has to participate in the athletics. While the learners were running around the field Karabo had an asthma attacked after being told by Mrs Tete to run with the other learners, she collapsed and had to be taken to the sick bay at school for assistance. As a result of complaints from Karabo's grandmother and their family doctor, Mrs Tete was seen to have violated the code if ethics.
Provide a summary of disciplinary process that Mrs Tete will have to go through for this misconduct as outlined in the SACE professional code of ethics.
Include references
Mrs Tete, as an educator, is bound by the South African Council for Educators (SACE) professional code of ethics which outlines the professional conduct expected of teachers. The code requires educators to ensure the safety and well-being of their learners at all times (SACE, 2016).
In this case, Mrs Tete violated the code by insisting that Karabo participate in the athletics despite her known medical condition and the absence of her necessary medication. Mrs Tete's actions resulted in Karabo collapsing and requiring medical attention.
Mrs Tete could face disciplinary processes as outlined in the SACE code of ethics, including investigations by a disciplinary committee, disciplinary hearings, and possible sanctions such as suspension or revocation of teaching license (SACE, 2016). It is important for Mrs Tete to reflect on her actions and take responsibility for the harm caused to Karabo and her family, and take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Reference:
South African Council for Educators (SACE). (2016). SACE Code of Professional Ethics for Educators. Pretoria: SACE.
The disciplinary process that Mrs Tete will have to go through for her misconduct as outlined in the SACE (South African Council for Educators) professional code of ethics involves several steps.
1. Complaint: Karabo's grandmother and their family doctor have lodged complaints against Mrs Tete for violating the code of ethics. These complaints will initiate the disciplinary process.
2. Investigation: The allegations against Mrs Tete will be thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing relevant documents.
3. Disciplinary Committee: If the investigation finds sufficient evidence to support the allegations, a disciplinary committee will be formed. This committee consists of educators, representatives from the Department of Education, and legal professionals.
4. Disciplinary Hearing: Mrs Tete will be summoned to a disciplinary hearing, where she will have an opportunity to present her case and provide any evidence or witnesses that may support her defense. Karabo's grandmother and their family doctor may also be asked to attend the hearing to present their side of the story.
5. Judgment: The disciplinary committee will review all the evidence presented during the hearing and make a decision based on the severity of Mrs Tete's misconduct. Possible outcomes may include a warning, suspension, or termination of employment.
6. Appeal Process: If Mrs Tete is dissatisfied with the decision of the disciplinary committee, she may have the right to appeal the judgment. This involves submitting an appeal to a higher authority or a specialized appeal board.
It is crucial to note that the specific disciplinary process may vary depending on the policies and procedures of the educational institution and the country's education regulatory body.
References:
1. South African Council for Educators (SACE) Code of Ethics. Retrieved from: https://www.sace.org.za/ethics-and-accountability/ethics/code-of-ethics/
2. South Africa's Employment of Educators Act, 1998. Retrieved from: http://www.saflii.org/za/legis/num_act/eoea1998289/