2021 Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers Explained

The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers serves as guide for teachers specifically to new teachers for them to exhibit proper behavior to the learning community at all times. It is imperative that you observe and practice this set of ethical and moral principles, standards, and values.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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.

Pre-Test

1. Toward the end of the school year, the mother of one of the candidates for honors visits you to ask about her child’s chances of graduating with honors. She brings a basket of fruits in season for you. What should you do?

a. Reject the basket of fruits and tell her that you have enough at home.
b. Accept the fruits and assure the mother that the daughter will be given honor student.
c. Respectfully reject the offer and explain that you might be accused of bribery.
d. Explain the chance of the daughter objectively and graciously accept the offer.

2. Which of the following is NOT correct under the Code of Ethics for Teachers regarding teacher and business?

a. No teacher shall act, directly or indirectly, as agent of, or be financially interested in any commercial venture which furnishes textbooks and other school commodities.
b. A teacher has no right to engage, directly or indirectly, in legitimate income generation.
c. A teacher shall maintain a good reputation with respect to the financial matters such as in the settlement of his debts and loans in arranging satisfactorily his private financial affairs.
d. None of the above.

3. Every teacher shall participate in the____________program of the PRC and shall pursue other studies as will improve his efficiency, prestige and strengthen his competence.

a. Professional Enhancement
b. Maximizing Learning Competence
c. Continuing Educational Enhancement
d. Continuing Professional Education

4. During the distribution of the report card, which of the following must be the foremost concern of a teacher?

a. Discuss the projects of the school.
b. Discuss the progress as well as the deficiencies of the students.
c. Discuss the unsettled bill of the students.
d. Discuss the complaints of other teachers and classmates of the students.

5. Miss Reyes is a new teacher like you. During her first few weeks in school, she felt like quitting teaching. At the end of the day she is totally burned out. If you were in her place from whom will you ask assistance?

a. from the principal
b. from the parents
c. from co-teachers
d. from pupils

Glossary of Terms

Terms	Definition
Code of Ethics	a guide of principles designed to help professionals act with honesty and integrity. A written set of rules and management to help them conduct their actions in accordance with its primary values and standards. (Oxford English Dictionary)
Teacher	a person who facilitate learners to gain knowledge, skills, and values that enhance development. A person who has the knowledge, skills, attitude, and special trainings in teaching, explaining, and educating. (R.A. 9155)
Professional	a person who characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession. A person who exhibits courtesy, conscientiousness, and generally manners that are acceptable resulting improvement of the organization he belongs.
Behavior	the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others and to the organization he or she is serving.
School	is an educational institution, private, and public, understating operation with a specific age group of pupils or students pursuing defined studies at defined level, receiving instruction from teachers, usually located in a building or a group of buildings in a particular physical site. (R.A. 9155)
Learner	any individual seeking basic literacy skills and functional life skills or support services for the improvement of the quality of his/her life (R.A. 9155)

Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers

Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (e). Article 11, of R. A.. No. 7836. otherwise known as the Philippines Professionalization Act of 1994 and Paragraph (a), section 6. P.D. No. 223. as amended, the Board for Professional Teachers hereby adopt the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers.

PREAMBLE

Teachers are duly licensed professionals who possesses 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, standards, and values.

ARTICLE I – SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

Section 1. The Philippine Constitution provides that all educational institution shall offer quality education for all competent teachers committed of it’s full realization The provision of this Code shall apply, therefore, to all teachers in schools in the Philippines.

Section 2. This Code covers all public and private school teachers in all educational institutions at the preschool, primary, elementary. and secondary levels whether academic, vocational, special, technical, or non-formal. The term “teacher” shall include industrial arts or vocational teachers and all other persons performing supervisory and /or administrative functions in all school at the aforesaid levels, whether on full time or part-time basis.

ARTICLE II – THE TEACHER AND THE STATE

Section 1. The schools are the nurseries of the future citizens of the state: each teacher is a trustee of the cultural and educational heritage of the nation and is under obligation to transmit to learners such heritage as well as to elevate national morality, promote national pride, cultivate love of country, instill allegiance to the constitution and for all duly constituted authorities, and promote obedience to the laws of the state.

Section 2. Every teacher or school official shall actively help carryout the declared policies of the state, and shall take an oath to this effect.

Section 3. In the interest of the State and of the Filipino people as much as of his own. every teacher shall be physically, mentally and morally fit.

Section 4. Every teacher shall possess and actualize a full commitment and devotion to duty.

Section 5. A teacher shall not engage in the promotion of any political, religious, or other partisan interest, and shall not. directly or indirectly, solicit, require, collect, or receive any money or service or other valuable material from any person or entity for such purposes

Section 6. Every teacher shall vote and shall exercise all other constitutional rights and responsibility.

Section 7. A teacher shall not use his position or facial authority or influence to coerce any other person to follow any political course of action.

Section 8. Every teacher shall enjoy academic freedom and shall have privilege of expounding the product of his researches and investigations: provided that, if the results are inimical to the declared policies of the State, they shall be brought to the proper authorities for appropriate remedial action.

ARTICLE III – THE TEACHER AND THE COMMUNITY

Section 1. A teacher is a facilitator of learning and of the development of the youth: he shall, therefore, render the best service by providing an environment conducive to such learning and growth.

Section 2. Every teacher shall provide leadership and initiative to actively participate in community movements for moral, social, educational, economic and civic betterment.

Section 3. Every teacher shall merit reasonable social recognition for which purpose he shall behave with honor and dignity at all times and refrain for such activities as gambling, smoking, drunkenness, and other excesses, much less illicit relations.

Section 4. Every teacher shall live for and with the community and shall, therefore, study and understand local customs and traditions in order to have sympathetic attitude, therefore, refrain from disparaging the community.

Section 5. Every teacher shall help the school keep the people in the community informed about the school’s work and accomplishments as well as its needs and problems.

Section 6. Every teacher is intellectual leader in the community, especially in the barangay. and shall welcome the opportunity to provide such leadership when needed, to extend counseling services, as appropriate, and to actively be involved in matters affecting the welfare of the people.

Section 7. Every teacher shall maintain harmonious and pleasant personal and official relations with other professionals, with government officials, and with the people, individually or collectively.

Section 8. A teacher posses freedom to attend church and worships as appropriate, but shall not use his positions and influence to proselyte others.

ARTICLE IV – A TEACHER AND THE PROFESSION

Section 1. Every teacher shall actively insure that teaching is the noblest profession, and shall manifest genuine enthusiasm and pride in teaching as a noble calling.

Section 2. Every teacher shall uphold the highest possible standards of quality education, shall make the best preparations for the career of teaching, and shall be at his best at all times and in the practice of his profession.

Section 3. Every teacher shall participate in the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program of the Professional Regulation Commission, and shall pursue such other studies as will improve his efficiency, enhance the prestige of the profession, and strengthen his competence, virtues, and productivity in order to be nationally and internationally competitive.

Section 4. Every teacher shall help, if duly authorized, to seek support from the school, but shall not make improper misrepresentations through personal advertisements and other questionable means.

Section 5. Every teacher shall use the teaching profession in a manner that makes it dignified means for earning a descent living.

ARTICLE V – THE TEACHERS AND THE PROFESSION

Section 1. Teacher shall, at all times, be imbued with the spirit of professional loyalty, mutual confidence, and faith in one another, self sacrifice for the common good, and full cooperation with colleagues. When the best interest of the learners, the school, or the profession is at stake in any controversy, teacher shall support one another.

Section 2. A teacher is not entitled to claim credit or work not of his own. and shall give due credit for the work of others which he may use.

Section 3. Before leaving his position, a teacher shall organize for whoever assumes the position such records and other data as are necessary to carry on the work.

Section 4. A teacher shall hold inviolate all confidential information concerning associates and the school, and shall not divulge to anyone documents which has not been officially released, or remove records from the files without permission.

Section 5. It shall be the responsibility of every teacher to seek correctives for what he may appear to be an unprofessional and unethical conduct of any associates. However, this may be done only if there is incontrovertible evidence for such conduct.

Section 6. A teacher may submit to the proper authorities any justifiable criticism against an associate, preferably in writing, without violating the right of the individual concerned.

Section 7. A teacher may apply for a vacant position for which he is qualified: provided that he respects the system of selection on the basis of merit and competence: provided, further, that all qualified candidates are given the opportunity to be considered.

ARTICLE VI – THE TEACHER AND HIGHER AUTHORITIES IN THE PROFESSIONS

Section 1. Every teacher shall make it his duties to make an honest effort to understand and support the legitimate policies of the school and the administration regardless of personal feeling or private opinion and shall faithfully carry them out.

Section 2. A teacher shall not make any false accusations or charges against superiors, especially under anonymity. However, if there are valid charges, he should present such under oath to competent authority.

Section 3. A teacher shall transact all official business through channels except when special conditions warrant a different procedure, such as when special conditions are advocated but are opposed by immediate superiors, in which case, the teacher shall appeal directly to the appropriate higher authority..

Section 4. Every teacher, individually or as part of a group, has a right to seek redress against injustice to the administration and to extent possible, shall raise grievances within acceptable democratic possesses. In doing so. they shall avoid jeopardizing the interest and the welfare of learners whose right to learn must be respected.

Section 5. Every teacher has a right to invoke the principle that appointments, promotions, and transfer of teachers are made only on the basis of merit and needed in the interest of the service.

Section 6. A teacher who accepts a position assumes a contractual obligation to live up to his contract, assuming full knowledge of employment terms and conditions.

ARTICLE VII – SCHOOL OFFICIALS TEACHERS AND OTHER PERSONNEL

Section 1. All school officials shall at all times show professional courtesy, helpfulness and sympathy towards teachers and other personnel, such practices being standards of effective school supervision, dignified administration, responsible leadership and enlighten directions.

Section 2. School officials, teachers, and other school personnel shall consider it their cooperative responsibility to formulate policies or introduce important changes in the system at all levels.

Section 3. School officials shall encourage and attend the professional growth of all teachers under them such as recommending them for promotion, giving them due recognition for meritorious performance, and allowing them to participate in conferences in training programs.

Section 4. No school officials shall dismiss or recommend for dismissal a teacher or other subordinates except for cause.

Section 5. School authorities concern shall ensure that public school teachers are employed in accordance with pertinent civil service rules, and private school teachers are issued contracts specifying the terms and conditions of their work: provided that they are given, if qualified, subsequent permanent tenure, in accordance with existing laws.

ARTICLE VIII – THE TEACHERS AND LEARNERS

Section 1. A teacher has a right and duty to determine the academic marks and the promotions of learners in the subject or grades he handles, such determination shall be in accordance with generally accepted procedures of evaluation and measurement. In case of any complaint, teachers concerned shall immediately take appropriate actions, of serving due process.

Section 2. A teacher shall recognize that the interest and welfare of learners are of first and foremost concerns, and shall deal justifiably and impartially with each of them.

Section 3. Under no circumstance shall a teacher be prejudiced nor discriminated against by the learner.

Section 4. 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.

Section 5. A teacher shall not accept, directly or indirectly, any remuneration from tutorials other what is authorized for such service.

Section 6. A teacher shall base the evaluation of the learner’s work only in merit and quality of academic performance.

Section 7. In a situation where mutual attraction and subsequent love develop between teacher and learner, the teacher shall exercise utmost professional discretion to avoid scandal, gossip and preferential treatment of the learner.

Section 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 manifestation of poor scholarship.

Section 9. A teacher shall ensure that conditions contribute to the maximum development of learners are adequate, and shall extend needed assistance in preventing or solving learner’s problems and difficulties.

ARTICLE IX – THE TEACHERS AND PARENTS

Section 1. Every teacher shall establish and maintain cordial relations with parents, and shall conduct himself to merit their confidence and respect.

Section 2. Every teacher shall inform parents, through proper authorities, of the progress and deficiencies of learner under him. exercising utmost candor and tact in pointing out learners deficiencies and in seeking parent’s cooperation for the proper guidance and improvement of the learners.

Section 3. A teacher shall hear parent’s complaints with sympathy and understanding, and shall discourage unfair criticism.

ARTICLE X – THE TEACHER AND BUSINESS

Section 1. A teacher has the right to engage, directly or indirectly, in legitimate income generation: provided that it does not relate to or adversely affect his work as a teacher.

Section 2. A teacher shall maintain a good reputation with respect to the financial matters such as in the settlement of his debts and loans in arranging satisfactorily his private financial affairs.

Section 3. No teacher shall act, directly or indirectly, as agent of, or be financially interested in. any commercial venture which furnish textbooks and other school commodities in the purchase and disposal of which he can exercise official influence, except only when his assignment is inherently, related to such purchase and disposal: provided they shall be in accordance with the existing regulations: provided, further, that members of duly recognized teachers cooperatives may participate in the distribution and sale of such commodities.

ARTICLE XI – THE TEACHER AS A PERSON

Section 1. A teacher is, above all. a human being endowed with life for which it is the highest obligation to live with dignity at all times whether in school, in the home, or elsewhere.

Section 2. A teacher shall place premium upon self-discipline as the primary principles of personal behavior in all relationships with others and in all situations.

Section 3. A teacher shall maintain at all times a dignified personality which could serve as a model worthy of emulation by learners, peers and all others.

Section 4. A teacher shall always recognize the Almighty God as guide of his own destiny and of the destinies of men and nations.

ARTICLE XII – DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Section 1. Any violation of any provisions of this code shall be sufficient ground for the imposition against the erring teacher of the disciplinary action consisting of revocation of his Certification of Registration and License as a Professional Teacher, suspension from the practice of teaching profession, reprimand or cancellation of his temporary/special permit under causes specified in Sec. 23. Article HI or R.A. No. 7836. and under Rule 31. Article VIII. of the Rules and Regulations Implementing R.A. 7836.

ARTICLE XIII – EFFECTIVITY

Section 1. This Code shall take effect upon approval by the Professional Regulation Commission and after sixty (60) days following it’s publication in the official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation, whichever is earlier.

The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers Activities and Assessments

Activity 1.

After reading the key concepts, work on the following:

Self-Reflection

I realized that …

Teacher as role model

Teacher’s personality

Teacher’s social adjustment

Teacher’s professional growth and development

Teacher’s accountability

Activity 2.

Study the following cases. Guided by your understanding of the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers, identify the article and the provision that can guide the teacher to come up with his best action. Write your answers on the space provided in each number.

Case 1

Mr. Antonio B. Baguio received a complaint from the guardian of one of his students regarding the grade of his daughter in English. Mr. Baguio listened to the complaint of the guardian with sympathy and referred it to the teacher concerned for clarification.

Article in the Code of Ethics	Provision statement	Is Mr. Baguio right in his action (Explain based on the provision of the article)
Your Answer	Your Answer	Your Answer

Case 2

During barangay fiesta, Mr. Ben Y. Maya, a public school teacher, was designated as the fiesta directorate chairman. Because of his talent, he accepted the task willingly even without any honorarium. He facilitated the culture-based activities that resulted to a very organized celebration of their barrio fiesta. Is it alright for Mr. Maya not to receive payment for the services he rendered during the barrio fiesta?

Article in the Code of Ethics	Provision statement	Is Mr. Baguio right in his action (Explain based on the provision of the article)
Your Answer	Your Answer	Your Answer

Case 3

Mrs. Jenny San Jose is a new teacher in Malaban National High School. The school is scheduled to hold its Reading Camp on a Saturday. Relative to this activity, Mrs. Josie Rivera, the school principal, advised the faculty to attend and help the organizers to facilitate the event.

Mrs. San Jose who is enrolled in a master’s degree program informed the principal that she could not make it for she needs to attend her Saturday class.

Is it correct not to render service on a Saturday because of her studies?

Article in the Code of Ethics	Provision statement	Is Mr. Baguio right in his action (Explain based on the provision of the article)
Your Answer	Your Answer	Your Answer

Case 4

Mrs. Anna Lee A. Amores does not want her student named Joel to be the highest honor awardee but she prefers Leonard, another student to get the recognition. In order to ensure that Leonard will get the highest honor award, she gave Joel low grades in recitation and in performance tasks. Is it right to give Joel low grades just to make Leonard the awardee?

Article in the Code of Ethics	Provision statement	Is Mr. Baguio right in his action (Explain based on the provision of the article)
Your Answer	Your Answer	Your Answer

Case 5

Mr. Mario B. Reyes has been teaching for the last 15 years. Every time his principal would ask him to attend training, he would always decline and would ask another teacher to attend the said training. Is this proper?

Article in the Code of Ethics	Provision statement	Is Mr. Baguio right in his action (Explain based on the provision of the article)
Your Answer	Your Answer	Your Answer

ACTIVITY 3.

Now that you are done reading and analyzing the different provisions and articles specified in the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers, you are requested to share your insights focusing on the learning that you gained from this session and at the same time, other information that you think are necessary to understand about the Code of Ethics.

What are my significant learnings?	How will these learnings be of help to you as a teacher?
-	-
Other information relative to Code of Ethics that I want to know	How will these learnings be of help to you as a teacher?
-	-

MY PLEDGE OF COMMITMENT

I,______, teacher__________of__________

commit myself to adhere to the Code of Ethics, which will serve as my guide in everything I do in the service of my profession.

It is my goal to establish maximum services to my clientele, being a public servant.

I vow to utilize government resources effectively and efficiently for the betterment of everyone.

Name and Signature of Teacher

The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers Reflection

Study the following situations. Choose the best option by putting a check on the space provided for each choice. Explain your answer.

Situation no. 1

Being a person known for his integrity and credibility, Mr. Elbert R. Tolentino has been serving as part of the Board of Election Canvassers for the past 10 years. However, in the coming elections, his mother will be running as barangay captain. Because of this, he is asked to campaign for her. Is it alright for him to campaign for his mother’s candidacy? Explain your answer.

Situation no. 2

Mr. Mario Ocampo, who has been teaching for the last 25 years, refused to attend an important conference in Mindanao. Every time he is asked by the principal to attend such an activity, he always requests a new teacher to attend. As a professional teacher, is it right to express refusal in attending conferences.

Situation no. 3

Ms. Rose Q. Reyes posted two-piece swimwear picture of herself in her Facebook page. She received negative comments from the community and stakeholders. Ms. Reyes justified that she has the right to post anything on her Facebook account since it was her personal account. Is it right for Mrs. Reyes to do such?

Situation no. 4

During barangay fiesta, Mr. Ben Y. Maya was designated as the fiesta directorate chairman. Because of his talent, he accepted the task willingly even without any honorarium. He facilitated culture-based activities that made their barangay fiesta a significant one. Is it alright for Mr. Maya not to receive any compensation for his services rendered since this will be a precedent for the succeeding activity coordinator?

Situation no. 5

Mrs. Dae P. Habalo, of Sibulan National High School refused to admit a student for not being a resident of the said barangay where the school is located. Is it right for her to do so?

Situation no. 6

Traditionally, a civic parade is held with school participating during Independence Day. All teachers and students are required to attend. All of Mrs. Katherine Y. Sedillo’s students are excited to join the said parade but she did not join them due to personal reason and only asked the president of the class to check the attendants of his classmates. Is the decision of Mrs. Sedillo not answerable for any untoward incident to happen to the students?

Situation no. 7

Madam Estelita Ramos, a teacher III at Malunta Elementary School has a takehome pay of P 7,500.00 every month. She decided to borrow money from Provincial Savings Bank with a monthly deduction of P3,500. In the same month she also borrowed money to First Diamond Lending Company with a monthly deduction of P 3,500.00. In the first 2 months she enjoyed a take home pay of P7,500.00 because the 2 lending institutions will deduct on the 3rd month from the date she borrowed. Is it alright for Mrs. Ramos to borrow the amount considering that she don’t have enough take home pay when the deduction will take effect?

Situation no. 8

Mr. Ricky dela Cruz is one of the youngest teacher in Silab Community High School. Due to his young age he has lots of friends and barkadas. After school hours, he is always seen with his friends in an internet cafe playing Dota, in gambling dens, and in beerhouses. He also frequently seen in discos during weekends. Is Mr. Cruz acting as a good model to his students?

Post-Test

Choose the letter of the correct answer.