A code of ethics for teachers

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Part of The Philippine Educator

Title: A code of ethics for teachers
Language: English
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Fulltext: A CODE Of ETHICS FOR TEACHERS INTRODUCTION "The object of any code of ethics is to obtain the highest possible good for all ... members so that they may enjoy perfect happiness and security in their profession." - Prudencio Langcauon, Undersecretary of Education. The committee feels that the questions, (1) ''Why is there need of professional standards?" and (2') "What would be a satisfactory code of ethics for teachers?" are answered fully in the "Code of Ethics" as submitted. The third question, ''How may this code be enforced?" can not be answered at this time. In order to answer this question this code or a similar one should be adopted by an organization, such as the Philippine Public School Teachers' Association, which would have the influence and power to enforce its provisions. CODE OF ETHICS FOR TEACHERS 1 PREAMBLE2 BELIEVING: That true democracy can be best achieved by a process of free public education made available to all the people; That the teachers in the Philippines have a large and inescapable responsibility ni fashioning the ideals of children and youth; That such responsibility requires the services of men and women of high ideals, broad education, and profound human understanding; and, in order that the aims of democratic education may be realized more fully, that the welfare of the teaching profession may be promoted; and, That teachers may observe proper standards of conduct in their professional relations this Code of Ethics for teachers is proposed. ARTICLE I. THE TEACHER AND THE PROFESSION SECTION 1. The teacher should feel that teaching is among the noblest of professions. He should manifesl his enthusiasm for and pride in his calling. SECTION 2'. He should upho!d the highest possible standards by making the best preparation for his calling. He should strive to broaden his cultural 'outlook and deepen his professional interest. SECTION 3. He should have mem.bership in local, provincial and national professional organizations and should participate actively and unselfishly in them. SECTION 4. He should avoid the promotion of organizations cha~;acter ized by rivalry and divisive competition which weaken the cause of education. SECTION 5. He should insist upon a salary scale which is commensurate with the dignity and importance of his position. SECTION 6. He should not use 1 The term "Teaeher" ft8 used In tble code shnll lnclud& all persons directly engaged In &ducatlonal work, whether ln a tf'ncll'mg, an adminJstrative, or a supervisory capacity. 2 .Adopted !rom the Preamble of the N.E.A. "Ethlce for Teachers" 42 THE PHILIPPINE EDUCATOR pressure to secure a position or to obtain other favors, since qualification should be the sole determining factor in appointment and promotion. SECTION 7. He should not act as an agent, or accept a commission, royalty, or other compensation, for endorsing books or other school materials in the selection or purchase of which he can exert influence, or concerning which he can exercise the right of decision; nor should he accept a commission or other compensation .for helping another teacher to secure a position. ARTICLE II. THE TEACHER AND HIS ASSOCIATES ( SECTION 1. The teacher should be imbued with the spirit of professional loyalty, cheerful cooperation, mutual confidence, self-sacrifice for the common good, and faith in his fellow teachers. SECTION 2. Every teacher should give due credit for assistance received from his associates. He should not appropriate for himself the work of others. SECTION 3. The teacher, before leaving his position, should organize and leave for his successor such records and other data as are necessary to carry on the work. SECTION 4. A teacher should hold inviolate all confidential information concerning his associates; should not divulge to interested persons documents which have not yet been officially released, or remove records from files. SECTION 5. Professional criticism of associates should be made only for the welfare of the children or the school, and only in formal accusations before those who have the authority to try the case on its merits. SECTION 6. No teacher should apply for a position that is not vacant or aefinitely known about to be vacant, nor criticize the qualifications of other competitors. SECTION 7. Except when called upon for counsel or other assistance, a teacher should not interfere in any matter between another teacher and a pupil. ARTICLE III. THE TEACHER MlD HIS PUPILS OR STUDENTS SECTION 1. The teacher should recognize that the interest and we1fare of the pupils or students are his first and foremost concern. SECTION 2. The teacher should deal justly and impartially with every pupil. Prejudice, preference, or discrimination should have no place in his relation with his pupils. SECTION 3. No teacher s h o u 1 d accept, directly or indirectly for tutorial services of any of his pupils, remuneration other than the compensation authorized for his services as teacher. SECTION 4. No teacher should allow himself to be influenced by any consideration other than merit in the evaluation of the pupil's work. SECTION 5. A teacher should always maintain an ethical distance between himself and his pupils or students. 43 SECTION 6. No teacher should disclose any information obtained confidentially from his pupils, unless it is TBE PHILIPPINE EDUC~TOR for the best interests of the child and the public. ARTICLE IV. THE TEACHER AND THE PARENT SECTION 1. The schools exist to render service to the public. Teachers should establish and maintain cordial relations with the parents of their pupils. Parents should be welcomed at school and treated with every consideration. SECTION 2. T h e teacher should hear parents' complaints with sympathy and understanding. He should discourage parents' unfair criticism of his associates, the administration, and the school system in general. SECTION 3. In communicating with parents, especially on matters pertaining to their children's limitations, the teacher should exercise the utmost care and tact. He should point out the children's deficiencies and seek the parents' cooperation for the proper guidance and improvement of the children. ARTICLE V . THE TEACHER AND THE COMMUNITY SECTION 1. T h e teacher should take active participation in community movements for moral, social, educat ional, economic, and civic betterment. SECTION 2. The teacher should aim to merit reasonable social recognition by keeping himself morally upright. SECTIONS 3. The teacher should study the local customs and traditions so that he may have a sympathetic at44 titude and refrain from disparaging the community in which he teaches. SECTION 4. T h e teacher should keep the people in the community informed of the work and accomplishments of the school as well as of its needs and its problems. SECTION 5. T h e teacher should welcome every opportunity to serve as a counsellor in matters affecting the welfare olf the community. SECTION 6. T h e teacher should endeavor to maintain harmonious and pleasant personal and official relations with other professionals and government officials. SECTION 7. The teacher should vote and eexrcise other constitutional rights, but he should not use his position or authority to influence the political action of others. SECTION 8. The teacher should attend his own church regularly and worship as he pleases but should not use his position and influence as such to proselyte. SOURCES 1. Service Manual, Bureau of Education •. 2. "Ethics for Teachers," N.E.A., 1941 3. "Code of Professional Ethics for Teachers and School Officials " Osias ' 4. Personal Problems of the Teaching Staff, Lewis 5. Problems of the Teaching Profession, Almack and Lang 7. Introdu.ction to American Publi~ Education, Young