ETHICS for TEACHERS

It is essential that educators recognize their unique and influential role in society by honoring the standards established for their profession. Remember to maintain a professional relationship at all times. Inform the principal of unusual student behavior and incidents that may need administrative support. Keep them apprised of potential parent contacts.

Think About Your… Interactions with students Knowledge of school policies and procedures Reputation in the community In other words, use common sense.

What is your role and responsibility in maintaining the high ethical standards that define our profession? Ask participants to think about what they have learned and write a brief reflection to use as an artifact for Standard 8 of the Iowa Teaching Standards. Allow time for participants to share their reflections.

Parents are the first teachers of their children, but teachers are the 2nd most influential in the lives of children. -- Author unknown Teaching is a trusted profession in which society holds teachers to the highest standard as role models. In accepting a position of public trust, teachers measure success by the progress of each student toward the realization of his or her potential as an effective citizen. The education of PreK-12th grade students guides all professional decisions and actions.

So,What Are Ethics Anyway? naeyc

To answer that question, we have to begin by looking at: Values Morality Professional Core Values Ethics Professional Ethics Ethical Responsi-bilities & Dilemmas naeyc

VALUES Values are things that an individual believes to be intrinsically worthwhile or desirable, that are prized for themselves (e.g., truth, beauty, honesty justice, respect for people and for the environment). naeyc

MORALITY Morality involves peoples' views of what is good, right, or proper; their beliefs about their obligations; and their ideas about how they should behave. Morality concerns duties and obligations to one another and is characterized by words such as right, ought, just and fair. Morality Peoples’ views of what is good, right, & proper; their beliefs about their obligations; and their ideas about how they should behave naeyc

ETHICS Ethics is the study of right and wrong, duties and obligations. Ethics involves critical reflection on morality, including the ability to make choices between values and the examination of the moral dimensions of relationships. Ethics The study of right and wrong, or duty and obligation, that involves critical reflection on morality and the ability to make choices between values and the examination of the moral dimensions of relationships. naeyc

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS The moral commitments of a profession that: involve moral reflection that extends and enhances the personal morality practitioners bring to their work, concern actions of right and wrong in the workplace, and help individuals resolve moral dilemmas they encounter in their work.  Professional Ethics The moral commitments of a profession that involve moral reflection that extends and enhances the personal morality practitioners bring to their work, that concern actions of right and wrong in the workplace, and that help individuals resolve moral dilemmas they encounter in their work. naeyc

Ethical Responsibilities & Ethical Dilemmas --clear-cut, spelled out Ethical Dilemma --conflicting professional values & responsibilities Ethical Responsibilities Behaviors that one must or must not enact. Ethical responsibilities are clear-cut and are spelled out in the Code of Ethical Conduct (e.g., never share confidential info about a child or family…).  Ethical Dilemma A moral conflict that involves determining appropriate conduct when an individual faces conflicting professional values & responsibilities. naeyc

What Does a Code of Ethics Do? Creates a profession’s sense of identity Identifies the issues the profession cares about and wants new members to care about Communicates with those outside the profession what they can expect from its members Code of Ethics Defines the core values of the field & gives guidance for what prof’als should do in situations in which they encounter conflicting obligations or responsibilities in their work. naeyc

What do we do? ID Problem ↓ No: Seek solution Involves ethics? Yes (issues of right, wrong…) Responsibility: Do what is right Dilemma or responsibility? ↓ Dilemma: You have a choice… Yes: Solve it! Can it be solved with ethical finesse? ↓ No… naeyc

What do we do? Look for guidance in Code, get more info… ↓ Yes: Seek legal advice! Legal dimension? No… Decide on a course of action ↓ Issue resolved! naeyc

The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers In all our actions we should be guided by the The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers Dual Roles as Educator Parent Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers adopted and promulgated by the Board for Professional Teachers through Board Resolution No. 435, series of 1997, pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (e), Article II of RA No. 7836, otherwise known as the “Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

TEACHERS AS PROFESSIONALS Duly licensed professionals who possess dignity and reputation with high moral values as well as technical and professional competence. In the practice of their noble profession, they strictly adhere to observe, and practice this set of ethical and moral principles, standard and values. (Preamble, Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers) Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

“Every teacher shall merit reasonable social recognition for which purpose he shall behave with honor and dignity at all times and refrain from such activities as gambling, smoking, drunkenness and other excesses, much less illicit relations.” (Code of Ethics, Article III, Section 3) “A teacher shall place premium upon self-respect and self-discipline as the principle of personal behavior in all relationships with others and in all situations.” (Code of Ethics, Article XI, Section 2) Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

“A teacher shall maintain at all times a dignified personality which could serve as model worthy of emulation by learners, peers, and others.” (Code of Ethics, Article XI, Section 3) Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Joseph Santos vs. NLRC, Hagonoy Institute, Inc. “As teacher, (one) serves as an example to his/her pupils xxx. Consequently xxx teachers must adhere to the exacting standards of morality and decency. xxx A teacher both in his official and personal conduct must display exemplary behavior.” He must freely and willingly accept restrictions on his conduct that might be viewed irksome xxx the personal behavior of teachers, IN AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM, must be beyond reproach xxx they must observe a high standard of integrity and honesty.” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Art. VI, Sec. 6, Code of Ethics: TO ACT WITH HONOR: To strictly honor contractual obligation with the School Art. VI, Sec. 6, Code of Ethics: “A teacher who accepts a position assumes a contractual obligation to live up to his contract, assuming full knowledge of the employment terms and conditions.” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

DUTY OF TEACHERS (Based on Law) As an EDUCATOR 1987 Constitution states: “x x x The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” (Article XIV, Section 1) Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Article 218 of the Family Code provides— As a PARENT Article 218 of the Family Code provides— “The school, its administrators and teachers, x x x engaged in child care shall have special parental authority and responsibility over the minor child while under their supervision, instruction or custody.” Article 219 of the Family Code provides— “Those given the authority and responsibility under (Article 218) shall principally and solidarily liable for damages caused by acts or omissions of the unemancipated minor.” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Principal Duty or Obligation is To Ensure “Quality Education” What is QUALITY EDUCATION? “x x x making sure that basic education is really solid, because if it is not solid, it affects the quality of secondary education. If secondary education is poor, then the person goes to college unprepared for college work. And if he is allowed to graduate again with a poor quality college education, he goes to university professional education even more unprepared.” - Rev. Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

In short— “A school, before promoting or graduating a student, must be sure that he/she (the student) is functionally literate to go through next higher level.” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

To ensure Quality Education: 1) Must be COMPETENT and EFFICIENT Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers, Article IV, Section 2— “Every teacher shall uphold the highest possible standards of quality education, shall make the best preparation for the career of teaching, and shall be at his best at all times in the practice of his profession.” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

BP 232 (Education Act of 1982), Section 16 (2) provides— “The teacher shall xxx be accountable for efficient and effective attainment of specified learning objectives xxx.” Code of Ethics further mandates that— “Every teacher shall participate in the continuing professional education (CPE) program of the PRC, and shall pursue such other studies as will improve his efficiency, enhance the prestige of the profession, and strengthen his competence, virtue and productivity in order to be nationally and internationally competitive.” (Article IV, Section 3) Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

“A teacher shall ensure that conditions contributive to the maximum development of learners are adequate and shall extend assistance in preventing or solving learners’ problems and difficulties.” (Article IV, Section 3) Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

In short— A teacher is expected to be efficient and competent in the performance of his academic duties at all times. Otherwise, A teacher who has consistently shows his inability to efficiently perform his duties and responsibilities, within a common performance standards should not be allowed to stay in school xxx. The MRPS provides as just cause of terminating a faculty— “Gross inefficiency and incompetence in the performance of his duties xxx.” (Section 3 (a)) Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Hence, the SC held in Evelyn Peña vs. NLRC that— “x x x schools can set high standards of efficiency for its teachers since quality education is a mandate of the Constitution xxx security of tenure xxx cannot be used to shield incompetence.” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

2) Must EVALUATE LEARNERS (i) Duty to give grades/evaluation Section 16(3) of BP 232, TEACHER SHALL— “Render regular reports on performance of each student and to the latter and to the latter’s parents and guardians with specific suggestions for improvement.” and... Must promptly render or give grades. Otherwise, the unjustified or unreasonable delay in giving grades constitutes gross neglect of duty. Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

In the case of University of the East vs. Romeo A In the case of University of the East vs. Romeo A. Jader, the SC declared— “It is the contractual obligation of the school (through the teachers) to TIMELY INFORM AND FURNISH sufficient notice and information to each and every student as to whether he/she had already complied with all the requirements xxx.” “The negligent act of a teacher who fails to observe the rules of the school, for instance, by not promptly submitting a student’s grade is not only imputable to the teacher but is an act of the school being his/her employer xxx.” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

In evaluating/giving grades the following rules of conduct must be observed— Code of Ethics provides— “A teacher has the duty to determine the academic marks and the promotion of learners in the subject they handle. Such determination shall be in accordance with generally accepted procedure of evaluation and measurement on case of any complaint, teachers concerned shall immediately take appropriate action, observing the process.” (Article VIII, Section 1) Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

“Under no circumstances shall a teacher be prejudiced nor discriminatory against any learner.” (Article VIII, Section 3) “A teacher shall not accept favors or gifts from learners, their parents or others in their behalf in exchange for requested concessions, especially if undeserved.” (Article VIII, Section 4) “A teacher shall base the evaluation of the learner’s work on merit and quality of academic performance.” (Article VIII, Section 6) Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

In computing the grades Section 16 (5) of BP 232 mandates that a teacher shall— “Refrain from making deductions or additions in student’s scholastic ratings for acts that are clearly not manifestations of xxx scholarship.” Hence, Section 79 of the MRPS— “Basis for Grading. – The xxx grade or rating xxx in a student should be based SOLELY on his scholastic performance. Any addition or diminution to the grade in a subject for co-curricular activities, attendance, or misconduct shall NOT be allowed xxx.” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Code of Ethics provides— “A teacher shall not xxx make deductions from their scholastic ratings as a punishment for acts which are clearly not manifestations of poor scholarship.” (Article VIII, Section 8) Thus, it is not a matter of discretion on the part of the teachers in the giving of the students’ grades, but rather it is a clear obligation for the teachers to determine student academic marks solely based on scholastic performance. For a teacher to do otherwise, would be serious academic malpractice or grave misconduct in the performance of his/her duties. Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

In Padilla vs. NLRC, SBC the Supreme Court said— “This Court is convinced that the pressure and influence exerted by (a teacher) on his colleague to change a failing grade to passing one xxx constitute serious misconduct which is a valid ground for dismissing an employee.” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

B. As a PARENT: Principal Duty to Exercise Parental Authority and Responsibility Article 218, Family Code provides— “The school, its administrators and teachers xxx engaged in child care shall have special parental authority and responsibility over the minor child while under their supervision, instruction or custody.” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Code of Ethics states— “A teacher shall recognize that the interest and welfare of learners are his first and foremost concern, and shall handle each learner justly and impartially.” (Article VII, Section 2) Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Parental Authority to Discipline “As parents, the teachers shall use discipline not to punish but to correct, not to force, but to motivate; and not to obey with rigid cadence, but to choose to follow the right way. Hence, teachers cannot generally use methods of punishing or such degree of penalties that a good mother or a good father would not likely use on her/his own children.” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Corporal Punishment - Article 233 (2nd par.) “In no case x x x inflict corporal punishment upon the child.” Definition: An act that inflict pain or harm upon a child’s body as punishment for wrong doing usually through beating and spanking Elements: r physical contact to inflict pain Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

VIII, 8. A teacher shall not inflict corporal punishment on offending learners nor make deductions from their scholastic ratings as a punishment for acts which are clearly not manifestations of poor scholarship. Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Sale of Tickets; Collection of Contribution/ Donations from Pupils / Parents BP 232, Sec. 9 (9) - students have right to be free from (voluntary) involuntary contributions Improper or unauthorized solicitation of contributions from subordinate employees and by teachers or school officials from school children VIII, 5. A teacher shall not accept, directly or indirectly, any remuneration from tutorials other than what is authorized for such service. Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Anita Y. Salvarria vs. Letran College, et al. (296 SCRA 184) The Supreme Court declared-- “Petitioner contended that her dismissal was arbitrarily xxx, having been effected without just cause, on the premise that the solicitation of funds xxx was initiated by the students and that her participation was merely limited to approving the same. xxx” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

If there is one person more knowledgeable of xxx policy against illegal exactions from students, it would be xxx Salavarria. Hence, regardless of who initiated the collections, the fact that the same was approved or indorsed by petitioner, made her ‘in effect the author of the project.’” Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

“xxx (Department of Education) considers the act of teachers in xxx contracting loans from parents of their students xxx not only serious misconduct but xxx violation of students’ right to be free from involuntary contribution xxx.” - USEC Nachura, 13 Feb. ‘98 Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Parental Responsibility The student / pupil while in school, is in the custody and hence, the responsibility of the school authorities as long as he is under the control and influence of the school, whether the semester has not yet begun or has already ended. Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

In Amadora vs. CA, the Supreme Court said-- Even if the student is just relaxing in the campus in the company of his classmates, x x x the student is still within the custody and subject to the discipline and responsibility of the teachers x x x. Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Hence-- A teacher required to exercise special parental authority but who fails to observe all the diligence of a good father of a family in the custody and care of the pupils and students, shall be held liable for gross neglect of duty. Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

“The Court takes this opportunity to pay a sincere tribute to the school teachers, who are always at the forefront in the battle against illiteracy and ignorance. If only because it is they who open the minds of their pupils to an unexplored world awash will the magic of letters and numbers, which is an extraordinary feat indeed, these humble mentors deserve all our respect and appreciation.” Justice Isagani A. Cruz Chiang Kai Shek School vs. CA G.R. No. 58028, April 18, 1989 Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Short Version)

Teaching Philosophy is a work in progress. The best way for me to describe my teaching philosophy is to use the notion of a journey. Whether I work with students at the beginning of their formal studies or near the end of their degree or anywhere in between, often the goals and tools needed for the eventual successful completion of the journey are the same: interest, courage, and the realization that the journey never ends. I know I am only one of the teachers of these students whom they are going to encounter along the way and I also understand…I am encountering them “en route”, each having arrived from different paths and each facing different challenges. It is with this knowledge that I approach and have so far developed my philosophy of teaching. (Christine Watson, Department of English, SIFC) We assume that by looking at the syllabus we get a sense of the person as a teacher. So we want to ask ourselves, what does my syllabus say about me? The syllabus is the first point of contact between teacher and student, it sets the tone for the course, reveals a lot about the writer.

REFERENCES: CONSTITUTION ATTY.ULAN SARMIENTO’s LECTURE

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