IntroductionThis essay will provide a theoretical understanding of the four ethical frameworks: consequentialism, non-consequentialism, virtue ethics, and the ethics of care. When applied to a situation, these frameworks help teachers resolve and justify their decision-making. The goal is to apply all four frameworks to the Helping Molly scenario, in order to establish the most ethical course of action. Finally, a recommended course of action will provide justification. The overarching ethical issue present in the Helping Molly scenario is community sponsorship and alignment with the school's beliefs and initiatives. Consequentialism Consequentialism is an ethical perspective that focuses primarily on the consequences resulting from an action and aims to eliminate negative consequences. Within this framework, there are three subcategories: selfishness, altruism and utilitarianism. SelfishnessSelfishness considers the best outcome for the decision maker. From a selfish perspective, the most favorable outcome for the teacher is to minimize stress and conflict related to possible outcomes in one's life. It is therefore in the interest of teachers not to upset the principle, to adopt a similar point of view and not to accept the offer of a new funding promotion. AltruismThe altruistic perspective examines the best outcomes for everyone, excluding the decision maker. From this perspective, it is important that negative consequences are minimized for the school, its students and Molly. From this perspective, the best outcome for the students and Molly is to give them a chance to develop their musical skills. The best outcome for the school is to be able to justify sponsoring Molly by reaping the benefits as a whole...... middle of paper ...... for the teacher it is a productive learning environment where students' needs are supported. Works Cited Burgh, G., Field, T., Freakley, M. (2006) Ethics and the community of inquiry: education for deliberative democracy. Thomson Social Science Press: South Melbourne. Sammel, A. (2010). Third conference. Focus on virtue and the ethics of care. Griffith University: Gold Coast. Smith, M. K. (2004). The ethics of care and education. The Encyclopedia of Informal Education, retrieved from www.infed.org/thinkers/noddings.htmlQueensland Government Education Queensland. (1998). Health and physical education. Retrieved July 14, 2010 from http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/area/hpe/index.htmlUnited Nations. (2010). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Accessed July 9, 2010 from http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml