1. Professional Decision Making Model
Florence Joe
EDTE 519

2. This document is a working rationale, it is where I
can begin and continue to organize my thoughts
about professionalism decision making, and where
I stand as an educator and as an individual. As I
continue my career in education I will continue to
grow in all aspects of life and with that growth will
come knew ideas and ways of thinking.

3. My Inner Landscape…
Each person I meet leaves an impact on me. I am affected by
each encounter, whether it was long or brief, good or bad. I am
the person I am today because of some of these encounters. It is
from this small belief that stems my understanding of professional
decision making. We are always faced with decisions and a lot of
the time the decisions do not only affect us, they affect others too.
I am reminded of the idea of the invisible string that connects us all
together. Once you meet someone you cannot unmeet them,
there is a connection and you leave an impression. I believe that
even though the decision might not always be agreeable and the
other person might leave upset it is still important to leave a
positive impact on the other person.

4. Reconciliations
Throughout life there will always be times when one is faced with conflict. I will
not always know how to handle certain scenarios or make sound decisions but
that’s okay. What is important is the reflection and questions I ask myself that
follow, like, how did this evolve into this? What could I have done differently?
Moments that do not pan out are what I learn from the most because they are
learning experiences that provide me with the foundations needed to make
better choices.
The feelings of others have always been a priority in my life; I want to make
everyone happy. That is why it is difficult for me to make decisions that cause
others to be unhappy. I know that as I continue my life as an educator I will
make others unhappy because I cannot make everyone happy all the time. But
it will never be my intention to make someone unhappy without what I feel is a
just reason for the decision I made and without a rationale as to why I made the
decision.
During problems it is sometimes difficult to stop and think and not let emotions
and opinions take over. Do not let that little monster take over but instead,
breathe and think. Let the other person speak. Be polite and a good listener.
Sometimes that is all a person needs.

5. Ethical Decision Making
The Virtue Approach: “What is ethical is what develops
moral virtues in ourselves and our communities.”
The Rights Approach: “Each person has a fundamental right
to be respected and treated as a free and equal rational
person capable of making his/her own decisions.”
The Common Good Approach: “What is ethical is what
advances the common good.”
The Utilitarian Approach: “Of any two actions, the most
ethical one will produce the greater balance of benefits
over harms.”
The professional codes and standards guide my
professional decisions and reflect who I am as a
professional. They are there for me to adhere to so that I
know where I stand as an educator and how important it is
to be a professional advocate for children.

6. P.D.M.M
A model is a different way in which to view a process. It
provides the steps that we need to take in order to come
to a solution. As a visual learner, models are my best
friend. Everything is placed in front of me in an organized
manner that really helps me understand what is
necessary. The model presented is a reminder, it is
something to look at when I need a nudge in the right
direction. The model will guide my decision making so I
can approach decisions in such a way that my students
are never jeopardized.

7. 1.What is the issue?
Who’s involved?
What are the
ethical concerns
2. Stop & Think:
What caused the
issue?
Who does it affect?
3. What are the
different views on
the issue?
Be objective
Have open
discussion
Be a good listener
4. What are all
possible solutions?
What are the –
and + of each
solution?
5. What is an
appropriate solution?
Is it ethical & just?
What is the rationale
for coming to that
solution?
How does it affect
others?
6. Implement the
decision
Be respectful and
professional
7. Reflection:
What could I have
done differently?
What did I learn?
Did the decision help
or hinder?
P.D.M.M

8. Sources
Title page background: http://artjective.deviantart.com/art/November-PPT-
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Background: http://artjective.deviantart.com/art/November-PPT-Slide-3-
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Flower image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug88888/5610956198/