I don't think AZN meant his original posting to be about the teaching/learning skills although that is a consideration on teachers minds when we see gross examples of it.
I am thinking about the sometimes actions of certain people who apply their darker side and "win" situations by doing something subtle, insincere or unethical which places another teacher and their student(s) at a disadvantage. Or, perhaps, they work at removing strong competition from another teachers studio by not selecting them as "winners" purposely, which basically stacks the deck in the behalf of the perpetrator.
That is why it's important to choose judges and master teachers who do not participate the same local activities you do - the expert from out of town would be a better choice.
Personalities sometimes do fall into these areas of deception or slight taking "cut-sies" at the water fountain.
Sometimes the outcome is that someone really talented and prepared is eliminated in the early rounds or doesn't get to the winners circle although it was expected that he would do well, and in fact, did do well.
This scenario is the kind of thing that requires discovery and attention when it is happening.
Part of my job required attention to ethics questions when I was a chapter president - a total of 3 years.
MTNA creates a community of teachers at the local chapter which is where the democracy of the group and it's actions are the business of the members of that community. The concensus seems to be that teachers are on a life long growth trip to continuing education. It's highly supportive and positive and functions as well as the members in any group are contributing and participating. MTNA is not a policing society - it's ethics are self governed by the members - a pledge we make.
Betty
MTNA
