PROF.

ED-3:
The Teaching Profession

MODULE 1.3
THE PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS ARE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE

(Socially Responsible Teachers: Moral and Ethics)

Teaching is a human and moral relationship. It involves interaction between and among
pupils, parents, colleagues, and school officials.
To maintain cordial and harmonious relationship with the clientele, teachers must
develop awareness and sensitivity to the Code of Ethics which underpins the standards of
conduct in the profession.

Apply the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers in given situations.

Introduction
The role of the teachers is to educate. They create and control the learning process.
They encourage participation and interaction of students in the acquisition of knowledge, skills,
and values needed to prepare them for their roles in society.
To achieve their objectives, teachers need to manage the classroom effectively. This
calls for the teachers’ skill in stabling healthy relationship with the students. They need to
explore the rights, duties and moral principles embodied in the ethical standards for teachers to
maintain their trust and respect. This calls for their awareness and commitment to the moral and
ethical dimensions of teaching embodied with the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers.
This chapter will explore the provisions of the Code of Ethics for Professional
Teachers to ensure that every member of the teaching profession takes cognizance and adheres to
its principles.
At the end of the chapter, situations will be given to you for decision-making as an
ethically and morally virtuous professional teacher.

Lesson
Morals and ethics are often used in interchangeably but they almost mean the same.
Ethics refers to a system of principles of conduct that guide the behavior of person. It is
concerned with individual character like being a “good person”. It is also concerned with the
character of an entire society, culture or profession.
Morals are values related to a system of beliefs-religious system, business or political
system. These values get their authority from outside or higher authority. Moral values include
honesty, integrity, compassion, courage, honor, responsibility, patriotism, respect and fairness.
Morality refers to a subset of ethical rules of special importance. It is a guide to behavior
for individuals who want to govern the behavior of others. Moral rules are often the basis for the
rules of society. These are expected to be obeyed by all its members.
Ethics or morality studies that “good” and “bad” of human behavior, thoughts and
feelings. It analyzes how man should treat others as well as himself.
Ethics is about actions and decisions. A person acts in accordance with his values. A
person who behaves according to the core values he upholds, is said to be acting ethically.
Morality maybe divided into three stages:
 Morality of self-interest which is characterized by doing the act or the behavior to gain
rewards or avoid punishment. In other words, it is the reward or punishment
consequences that guide peoples’ action.
 Morality of law and social rules apply when the action or behavior of the individual is
determined by the rule and authority, meaning peoples’ action are motivated by
 obedience and respect for law. They also aim to gain approval and avoid disapproval of
their behavior.
 Morality of abstract principles are exhibited by people who assume personal
responsibility in their behavior. People who have reached this level no longer aim for
approval or disapproval of their action. Their behavior is guided by their ethical
principles and morals and values.
In the discharge of their duties as professional pictures they have to conform to certain
ethical standards: set out by the Teaching Council. These standards guide the teachers in the
performance of their function these also safeguard the rights of the professionals and enhance the
goal of their work.
 Respect
Teachers need to demonstrate respect for spiritual and cultural values, diversities,
social justice, freedom and democracy. This is in relation to the role to address and promote
human dignity.
 Integrity
Teachers are persons of integrity. This means being honest, reliable and morally
upright. They should be true to their commitment and responsibilities as teachers.
 Care
Being the second parents of the students, teachers should take the best interest of the
students as the credo. This students have been entrusted to them and therefore should be
treated with love, care and compassion. They should provide a caring commitment where the
students would feel valued and accepted. Teachers should show a positive influence and
empathy when dealing with the students. This will strengthen the bond between the teacher
and the student.
 Trust
Trust is the foundation of a strong relationship. Trust means being fair, honest, and
being open to people. Trust begets trust; teachers should show they believe and trust their
students. Consequently, the teachers earn their trust and respect for them.

Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers

EXPLORE
Code of Ethics and Teaching Standards Relationship
The Code of Ethics for professional teachers was founded on the standards stipulated by the
Teaching Council. Analyze the provisions of the code of Ethics and identify which provisions ar
related to the following Teaching Council Standards.
____________________1. Teachers should be caring, fair and committed to the best interest of
the students/pupils entrusted to their care.
____________________2. Teachers should seek to develop positive relationship with the
pupils/students, colleagues, parents, school management and others in the school community that
are characterized by the personal integrity and judgment.
____________________3. Teachers should respect the privacy of others and confidentiality of
information gained in the course of professional practice.
____________________4. Teachers should avoid conflict between their professional work and
private interests which could reasonably be deemed to impact negatively on pupils/students.
____________________5. Teachers should act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of their
work.
____________________6. Teachers should uphold the reputation and standing of the profession.
____________________ 7. Teachers should comply with agreed national and school policies,
procedures and guidelines which aim to promote pupil/student education and welfare and child
protection.
____________________8. Teachers should apply their knowledge and experience in facilitating
pupil’s/student’s holistic development.
____________________9. Teachers should in a context of mutual respect, be open and
responsive to constructive feedback regarding their practice and, if necessary, seek appropriate
support, advice and guidance.
___________________10. Teachers should ensure that they do not practice while under the
influence of any substance which impairs their fitness to teach.
 MODULE 1.3
ACTIVITY B

Name: _____________________________ Course: _________________________

APPLY
Develop a concept map of a professional teacher as provided for in the Preamble of the
Code of Ethics for the Professional Teachers.
 MODULE 1.3
ACTIVITY C

Name: _____________________________ Course: _________________________

ASSESS: Problem-Situations
Read the statements below then answer the questions that follow. Choose the best answer.

1. Mrs. Velarde, the Grade V Chairman, collected all the observations and suggestions of the
teachers in Grade V and submitted it to the principal with her name on it. What provisions of the
Code of Ethics did she violate?
A. Every teacher shall enjoy academic freedom.
B. Every teacher shall provide leadership and initiative to actively participate in community
movements, for moral, social, educational, economic and civic betterment.
C. A teacher is not entitled to claim credit or work that is not his own.
D. A teacher may submit to proper authorities any justifiable criticism.

2. When the teachers practices professional responsibility, which of the following does she
avoid?
A. Maintain cordial relations with parents and peers
B. Be proud of being a teacher
C. Engage in derogatory talks about colleague
D. Support the objectives of the school.

3. You want to transfer to a school nearer your place of residence in the same city. To whom
would you send your application letter?
A. The director
B. The superintendent
C. The supervisor
D. The principal

4. The Teachers Association President is inviting you to join a rally demanding increase in
salary. As a member of the association will you join the rally?
A. Yes, because it is my right.
B. Yes, because increase in salary will be to my benefit.
C. Yes, when it is not during class hours.
D. No, it is against the law.

5. Mr. Marques drinks heavily on weekends. He contends that he cannot be reprimanded because
he doesn’t come to school drunk and he performs his job as a teacher well. Is his argument
acceptable?
A. No, he should lie a commendable level of conduct at all times.
B. No, drinking liquor is not good for the health.
C. Yes, it is his right as an individual.
D. Yes, the students don’t see him when he is drunk.