2024 Ethical Dilemma Scenario:
Mr. McIntosh is grateful to have been teaching for fifteen years in the small, tight-knit community of Willowbrook. The
town consistently supports its schools, with community members actively engaging in various capacities to ensure their
success. Many educators, including Mr. McIntosh, are active in the community, serving as leaders in youth organizations,
city recreation coaches, and fulfilling other vital volunteer roles.
Mr. McIntosh started his teaching career in Willowbrook right out of college. His passionate teaching and caring
demeanor quickly made him a favorite among the students. Recently, he was named the school’s Teacher of the Year,
largely because of the investment he makes into the lives of his students.
Stella, one of Mr. McIntosh’s students, struggled academically and socially throughout her school experience. According
to the school counselor, Mr. McIntosh was a primary factor in Stella’s growth during her junior and senior years of high
school. The same qualities that made him Teacher of the Year, paved the way for Stella’s success – spending countless
hours after school working with her on physics equations, occasionally checking on her progress at home via text, giving
her confidence by urging her to enter the science fair, as well as taking a personal interest in her and her family.
Mr. McIntosh recognized her academic abilities and encouraged her to consider college, even though no one in her family
had ever attended. He and the school counselor worked closely together to ensure her college application fees were
waived so there would be no barriers to her success.
By the second semester of her senior year, everyone began to recognize a change within Stella. She was achieving
academic success and, more importantly, gaining confidence in herself.
By the time she graduated from high school, Stella had been accepted into a prestigious community college. Her parents
were incredibly proud of her academic, social and personal transformation. They planned a special event to celebrate
Stella’s bright future, as well as Mr. McIntosh’s unwavering contributions to her success.
“You have to be there, Mr. McIntosh. I owe so much to you,” Stella pleaded. “You've taught me so much more than just
science. You've inspired me to pursue my dreams, and I can't imagine my high school years without your guidance, my
parents practically planned this party to celebrate you, too, since you helped me so much. They even purchased a gift to
show their appreciation and want to give it to you at the party. It will be lots of fun. Even though they can sometimes get
kind of wild, my parents throw great parties and have invited all the neighbors. It would mean so much to them and me if
you came.” Her words seemed simple enough, but their weight bore the full extent of her gratitude and admiration for
Mr. McIntosh.
What is the appropriate course of action for Mr. McIntosh to take?
