The Socratic Oath—for Educators

Do No Harm

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:  I will respect the hard-won educational gains of those education theorists such as Vygotsky, Piaget, Bloom, Darling-Hammond, Dewey, Bruner, Freire and many others in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow. I will apply, for the benefit of the students, all measures which are required, avoiding those twin traps of irrelevant pedagogy and educational nihilism. I will remember that there is art to education as well as science and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the educator’s lessons or the state’s assessment. I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a student’s success. I will respect the privacy of my students, for their problems are not disclosed to me so that the world may know. Most especially, I will walk with care in matters of learning. If it is given to me to teach a student, I will be grateful. Because it may be within my power to change a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play God. I will remember that I do not teach a standard or a test, but a vulnerable human being, whose education may affect the person's family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems if I am to adequately teach students. I will prevent boredom, repetition, failure, and standards-only instruction whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure. I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the young. If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, be respected while I live, and be remembered with affection thereafter? May I always act to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and art, and may I long experience the joy of success from those who seek my guidance, knowledge, and experience.