Apeejay Stya University Hosts International Webinar on Professional Ethics in Teaching

The School of Education at Apeejay Stya University organised an International Webinar on “Professional Ethics in Teaching: An International Perspective”. Conducted via Zoom, the session brought together faculty members, researchers, and pupil teachers from across India and abroad, creating a vibrant space for academic exchange and reflection.

Setting the Tone for Ethical Learning

The programme commenced with a formal welcome by Dr. Vijay Kumar, Head of the School of Education, who expressed gratitude to the keynote speaker, Mr Alan Newland, Founder of New Teacher’s Talk, London. Emphasising the need for global perspectives in teacher education, he highlighted how ethical practices form the backbone of institutional excellence and responsible teaching.

The session was anchored by B.Ed student Anshu P. Kumar, who introduced the theme and set the context by underlining the importance of ethics in shaping reflective educators. Her introduction established a strong learning tone, reminding participants that teaching is not just a profession, but a responsibility towards society.

A Global Perspective on Professional Ethics

In his keynote address, Mr Newland presented an insightful international overview of professional ethics in teaching. Referring to the Teachers’ Standards for England, he clearly distinguished between legal, ethical, and moral responsibilities of educators. He elaborated on key characteristics of a profession, including rigorous academic preparation, adherence to codes of conduct, accountability, and commitment to lifelong learning.

Drawing parallels with India’s frameworks, he referenced the guidelines set by the National Council for Teacher Education, encouraging participants to reflect on real-life ethical dilemmas faced in classrooms. His session provided a valuable learning opportunity, prompting attendees to think critically about professional boundaries and decision-making in contemporary education.

Encouraging Dialogue and Critical Thinking

Dr. Ananda Padhan, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, appreciated the initiative and stressed that ethical commitment is central to quality education and nation-building. His address reinforced the idea that ethics is not an abstract concept, but a lived practice that directly impacts student outcomes.

The interactive discussion session, led by B.Ed students Sampan Chaudhary and Hasan, added depth to the webinar. Participants engaged in thoughtful conversations, raising questions and sharing perspectives that made the session intellectually stimulating. Such student-led engagement highlighted the importance of active learning and collaborative inquiry in teacher education.