The Importance of Teacher Ethics

The code of ethics for teachers is designed to protect the rights of the students, all the students. It is
important that teachers understand that when they get a teaching position they are agreeing to
follow the code of ethics. I hadn't realized some the things that were in it so I am glad we went over
it. Teachers are expected to be fair to all their students and not to take advantage of their position
in any way. For example, you can't accept expensive gifts from students because it might appear to
bias you. You can't push your personal beliefs on students because they are a "captive audience".
You need to have a professional relationship with all students and not let it get too casual and
familiar. Apparently, there is quite a bit of abuse that is happening in the school. You need to
protect your students' safety and not believe that this is someone else's job. The main thing is not to
abuse the power that your position, over your students, might give you. Think through the
implications of what happens. Also, our country separates "church and state". Whether you agree
with this or not, as a teacher you need to respect this and keep religious bias out of the classroom.

The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers

In everyday life, you are confronted with the challenges to do the right thing. When you are faced
with professional decisions that seem to have ethical implications, there are conditions and
provisions of the Code of Ethics that will guide you to determine the best actions.

Teachers have the responsibility to push their learners to their full potential and to develop their
personality.

Teachers have great influence in the lives of their learners. They are expected to be professionally
competent in the practice of their profession. Moreover, they need also to possess good reputation
not only in the school but in the entire community. Having this big responsibility in the learning
environment, teachers must be guided by this document which comprehensively discuss the
different expectations from a teacher.

As mandated in the Code of Ethics for professional teachers, you have the responsibility to interact
positively with parents, community members, and other stakeholders of the school. Contact with
parents must be conducted regularly and be kept professional and free from arguments. If you have
an issue with parents, community members, or stakeholders it must be presented during meetings
and conferences. Being a teacher you must recognize that education is a public service and strive to
keep the public informed of the programs, projects and activities.

In the school you are expected to collaborate with your school administrators, co-teachers, and
other personnel in order to provide a safe, friendly learning experiences for the learners.

As part of the DepEd organization, you are further expected to follow the directions and
instructions of your school administrator and higher DepEd officials.

Being a teacher, you should consider your co-teachers and other personnel in achieving the goals of
education. They must be treated with courtesy, consideration, and mutual respect. You should also
be punctual in the submission of office reports and other tasks to facilitate the completion of the
work by the support personnel.

Desired Learning Outcome

Domain 6: Community Linkages and Professional Engagement

Strand: Professional Ethics

BTI 6.3.1

Be aware of existing laws and regulations that apply to the teaching profession, and be familiar with
the responsibilities specified in the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers.

PTI 6.3.2

Regularly review personal teaching practices using existing laws and regulations that apply to the
teaching profession and the responsibilities specified in the Code of Ethics for Professional
Teachers

Domain 7: Personal Growth and Professional Development

Strand: Dignity of Teaching as a Profession

BTI 7.2.2

Demonstrate behaviors that uphold the dignity of teaching as a profession by exhibiting qualities
such as caring attitude, respect, and integrity

PTI 7.2.2

Demonstrate behaviors that uphold the dignity of teaching as a profession by exhibiting qualities
such as caring attitude, respect and integrity

Objectives

a. Demonstrate understanding of the key provisions of the code of ethics and become familiar with
the responsibilities of a professional teacher.

b. Describe how the code of ethics can help or guide a teacher in the day to day performance/tasks
of his work, hence resulting to a good teacher
c. Describe and become familiar with the responsibilities specified in the Code of Ethics for
Professional Teachers.

d. Exhibit professional behavior as set out by the Code of Ethics for Teachers in the Philippines.

Putting Students First

Teachers must model strong character traits, including perseverance, honesty, respect, lawfulness,
fairness, patience, and unity. As an educator, teachers must treat every student with kindness and
respect without showing any favoritism, prejudice or partiality. Teachers must maintain
confidentiality unless a scenario warrants involvement from parents, school administration, or law
enforcement, and never use relationships with students for personal gain.

Showing Commitment on the Job

Educators must commit wholly to the teaching profession itself. A classroom should promote safety,
security, and acceptance, and should always avoid bullying, hostility, neglect, dishonesty or
offensive conduct. Teachers must accurately describe their qualifications, licenses, and credentials
to education boards or administration offices that look to hire them.

Teachers must also fulfill all contracts, obey school policies, and account for all funds and resources
at their disposal. It’s up to the teacher to design lesson plans to meet specific state standards and
create a well-rounded education plan that appeals to learners of all backgrounds and abilities.

Promote and Uphold Healthy Relationships

On top of fostering healthy relationships with students, educators must build strong relationships
with school staff, parents, guidance counselors, coworkers, and administrators. Teachers must keep
from discussing private information about colleagues and students unless disclosure is required
under the law.

Teachers should always avoid gossip of any kind, including false comments about coworkers or
students. Part of the code of ethics requires teachers to cooperate with fellow teachers, parents, and
administrators to create an atmosphere that fosters learning and growth. Educators might be called
upon to train student teachers who wish to serve as educators, so having the right mindset and
attitude can make a positive difference.

Never Stop Learning

An educator’s code of conduct demands attentiveness to continuing education requirements and