I am sure that nd folks care about ethics, but I think everyone picks this up more by example than by reading a certification guide for one's particular industry (eg: accounting). Not sure if that was what you meant by 'specific profession that taught strong ethics'.
Not everyone has parents who do what is right, teachers or workplace mentors who do what is right and friends who do what is right, so it it not surprising when people go off track. Most of us don't get into positions where we are responsible at that level across so many lives, or would dream of violating so many legal rules (laws) to do something we felt was ethically correct. (Since that is what he says he was doing - at least as I read it, whether we believe him or not, or the results are good or bad. )
When the 'good' or 'ethical' decision is more clear cut, probably more or most folks will more easily see that breaking some laws may make sense -- the scenario makes all the difference.
As to addressing ethics at the public school:
I think that by example, my kids learned
1. It's ok to agree to one thing (over and over) and not do it, or do something else.
Lesson 2- As long as you're just dealing with kids, it's ok to lie. (oh also, lying is a good idea).
Good stuff.
(good subject, hope I don't sound too negative).
