Faculty of Education

Module; Elements of education

8. A Code of Ethics for Teachers

Introduction

8.1 What Is a Code of Ethics?

A code of ethics is a guide of principles designed to help professionals conduct business honestly and
with integrity. A code of ethics document may outline the mission and values of the business or
organization, how professionals are supposed to approach problems, the ethical principles based on the
organization's core values, and the standards to which the professional is held.

A code of ethics, also referred to as an "ethical code," may encompass areas such as business ethics, a
code of professional practice, and an employee code of conduct.

 A code of ethics sets out an organization's ethical guidelines and best practices to follow for
honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

 For members of an organization, violating the code of ethics can result in sanctions including
termination.

 In some industries, including banking and finance, specific laws govern business conduct. In
others, a code of ethics may be voluntarily adopted.

 The main types of codes of ethics include a compliance-based code of ethics, a value-based code
of ethics, and a code of ethics among professionals.

 A focus on climate change has become an integral part of companies' codes of ethics, detailing
their commitment to sustainability.
The main purpose of education is to create skills, grasp knowledge and spread awareness about our
glorious national heritage. The values enshrined in our constitution lay stress on attaining basic scientific
outlook and commitment to the ideals of patriotism, democracy, secularism, socialism and peace.
Education should strive for academic excellence and progress of the arts and science in conformity with
our national needs and priorities. For the purpose of this code, the term ‘teacher’ covers all school
teachers, on full-time or part-time basis.

Teachers help students learn the academic basics, but they also teach valuable life lessons by setting a
positive example. As role models, teachers must follow a professional code of ethics. This ensures that
students receive a fair, honest and uncompromising education. A professional code of ethics outlines
teachers’ main responsibilities to their students and defines their role in students’ lives. Above all,
teachers must demonstrate integrity, impartiality and ethical behavior in the classroom and in their
conduct with parents and co-workers

Ethics originated as the philosophical study, begun by Plato and Aristotle, of what constituted a good life.
Under the tutelage of subsequent philosophers, the thought came about that a truly good life was a life
lived virtuously. This line of though helped to establish a philosophical study of just and unjust behavior.
This has taken root most especially in the professional field where the jobs of people have grant them a
certain amount of authority.

Professional Ethics

If one is attempting to live a just, and therefore ethical, life, then it follows that their actions should be
virtuous in their vocation as well as their personal life. This is the beginning of professional ethics.
Professional ethics were established, and are constantly being developed, as a guiding set of principles
that help dictate what constitutes good behavior of person in authority. Professional ethics, in short, are
the means of which we judge authority’s validity.

Professional Ethical Principles:

The following are the basic “rules” for ethical behavior:

 Not using authority to influence personal life or for monetary

 Acting within the scope of position’s authority only.

 Not influencing or advocating unethical conduct in others.

 Acting in good faith to fulfill the duty of the position of authority.

8.2 Need for a code of ethics for teachers.

 To aware the teachers to do their duties and abiding by truth, hard work and honesty when they
tend towards comforts, selfishness, laziness and money.

 To change the conduct and behavior of teachers in such a way behind which there must be social
acceptance and approval.

 To act as a role model for students by behaving in ethical manner to one and all.

 To create, sustain and maintain a reciprocal relationship between school and society for ensuring
harmonious development of the students as well as of society.

 To enable every teacher for becoming a real one in truest sense of the term by moulding his
personality.

 To bring improvement in professional environment to make it more conducive, favourable and

The following are some professional ethics for teachers:

 Loyalty Towards Duty

 Punctuality

 Dutifulness

 Respect for the profession

 Respect for the institution

 Respect and admiration for Co-Staff

 Strictness and straight forwardness

 Honesty

 Good Behavior Towards Students

 Use of Rights

 Motivational Attitude

 Studious / Good Learner

 Dressing Sense

 Positive Attitude

 Innovative

 Proper Use of Authority

Ethics Involving Students

A teacher has a duty to encourage students to learn to the best of their abilities, and also to
teach social values such as respect for self and others, integrity, responsibility, cooperation,
loyalty and honesty. Teachers must follow school rules and enforce all rules equally. Teachers
must not intentionally disparage students, and must not reveal confidential information about
students.

Teachers have ethical responsibilities to their students, which include:

1. Modeling strong character traits, including perseverance, honesty, respect, lawfulness,

2. Treating every student with kindness and respect without showing any favoritism,
prejudice or partiality.

3. Respecting the dignity, beliefs and constitutional rights of learners and in particular
children, which includes the right to privacy and confidentiality.
 4. Acknowledging the uniqueness, individuality, and specific needs of each learner, guiding and
encouraging each to realize his or her potentialities1

8.3 Major aspects of code of ethics for teachers

Although the teaching profession has no formally adopted code of ethics, any code of ethics should
comprise six basic elements:

1. Knowledge: Possessing adequate and appropriate knowledge is crucial in solving ethical issues.

Having adequate knowledge of both the situation in question and what is expected of them
helps teachers visualize multiple approaches to ethical dilemmas. After assessing the pros and
cons of the consequences of possible actions, a teacher can then make a decision about how
best to approach the situation.

2. Empathy: Empathy refers to the ability to appreciate a situation from the point of view of the
various participants involved.

It enables decision-making that aims to provide the greatest unbiased benefit to all parties.
Empathy opens up multiple pathways for reaching a decision that includes perceptions and
views of all involved.

3. Reasoning: Reasoning is the ability to think logically and critically when faced with ethical
dilemmas.

It’s important for teachers to be able to reflect on a situation or circumstance while taking all
aspects into consideration and maintaining moral principles as a gauge for deliberation.

4. Appreciation for Moral Considerations: Teachers must have a deep appreciation for moral
considerations and understand how they apply in different situations.

The ability to identify and analyze conflicting and competing moral interests involved in any
given situation is very important when faced with ethical dilemmas. Everyone’s rights should be
protected, and no one should be deprived of what they deserve. The most important trait in
dealing with moral considerations is the ability to adhere to the truth.

5. Courage: Teachers must have the courage to stand up for what is right and just, even when it is
difficult or unpopular.
 The ideals of ethical teaching, such as appreciation for moral considerations, reasoning, and
empathy, are much more difficult to reach if the element of courage is missing. Courage is
required to create ethical outcomes appropriate for all parties involved, and it can take the form
of willpower, tact, or even street-smartness, depending on the situation. Courage comes more
naturally to some people than others. As a teacher, you will be required to display courage in a
number of situations, sometimes on a daily basis.

6. Interpersonal Skills: Teachers must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to communicate
effectively with students, parents, colleagues, and other stakeholders1.

Even teachers with all of the preceding attributes could still be prevented from acting ethically if
they lack the requisite communication skills to make their position known. Even if your
understanding of right and wrong is clear and just, and is accompanied by all the qualities of
being an ethical teacher, the potential for positive outcomes in your ethical dilemmas is
diminished if you lack interpersonal skills.

Activity 01

Discuss and fill the circles.

Discuss and fill the table.

Ethics for teachers

Activity 3

Explain the major aspects of code of ethics for teachers to your group members.

Each member should speak about one aspect taking turns.

1. Explain the concept of a code of ethics and its significance in professional

settings.

Provide examples of different types of codes of ethics?

Reference Introduction (8.1)

2. Why is there a need for a code of ethics specifically for teachers? Discuss the

importance of ethical behavior in the teaching profession and its impact on

students.

Reference: Need for a code of ethics for teachers (8.2)

3. Describe the major aspects of a code of ethics for teachers. How do elements such as
 knowledge, empathy, reasoning, moral considerations, courage, and interpersonal skills

contribute to ethical decision-making in the teaching profession?

Reference: Major aspects of a code of ethics for teachers (8.3)

4. Discuss the ethical responsibilities of teachers towards their students. How does

modeling strong character traits, respecting students' rights and dignity, and maintaining

confidentiality contribute to an ethical teacher-student relationship?

Reference: Ethics involving students (8.3)

5. Analyze the role of professional ethics in a teacher's life. How does adherence to ethical

principles contribute to maintaining integrity, professionalism, and a positive influence on

students' lives?

Reference: Professional Ethics (Introduction)

Please note that the references provided correspond to the sections within the text and

may not follow a specific citation style.

References

code of ethics for teachers - Search (bing.com)

Code of Ethics: Understanding Its Types, Uses Through Examples (investopedia.com)

major aspects of code of ethics for teachers - Search (bing.com)