EDUC 203- THE TEACHING PROFESSION

CHAPTER 1
The Concept of Teaching as a Profession and the Role of Teacher

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the students must have:

1. Explained what teaching is;

2. Examine teaching profession against the characteristics of a profession;
3. Demonstrated understanding on the various roles of a teacher
Value: Commitment to the teaching profession and appreciate the role of teacher in the society

Lesson 1- The Concept of Teaching as a Profession

Meaning of Teaching

Different Scholars provided numerous definition of teaching, hereunder are the following
definitions that can be considered in this lesson:
 Teaching is an intimate contact between a more mature personality and a less mature one which
is designed to further the education of the latter. - H.C. Morrison (1934)
 Teaching is defined as an interactive process, primarily involving classroom talk, which takes
place between teacher and pupil and occurs during certain definable activities. - Edmund

 Teaching is a system of actions involving an agent, an end in view, and a situation, including two
sets of factors - those over which the agent has no control (class size, size of classroom, physical
characteristics of pupil, etc.) and those that he can modify such as a way of asking questions or
ideas gleaned. -
 Teaching is a task of a teacher, which is performed for the development of a child.- T.F. Greens

 Teaching is the process that facilitates learning. The teacher has an important role to play
because heacts as a catalyst, actively stimulating learning. -
 Teaching is a cluster of activities that are noted about teachers such as explaining, questioning,
motivating, taking attendance, keeping record of works, learners' progress and background
information. - G. Wells (1982).

One can surmise from the foregoing definitions that teaching is both a process and an end. As a
process, a procedure is required in undertaking it. As an end, there is a purpose or reason for
conducting it. Teaching as a process implies taking logical steps in instructing, causing, guiding, and
creating positive change in the learners. On the other hand, teaching as an end conveys that it is not
a pointless undertaking. lt is rather a purpose driven profession because it has noble goals to
accomplish. Few sublime purposes of teaching include imparting knowledge and wisdom, helping
and inspiring learners progress in their academics, and developing lifelong skills that prepare the
learners for life. These purposes are all essential in making them flourish as a person, as a
professional, and as a citizen of the country, and the global community.

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Metaphor of Teaching

A metaphor makes a comparison between two unrelated things in order to show their resemblance.
Teaching as an activity has been compared to many things. To name a few, some conceive it as:
1. an art
2. a science
3. a craft;
4. a mission; and
5. a vocation.

Teaching as an Art

Teachers are considered artists like the musicians, dancers, painters, and sculptors, among others.
They demonstrate creativity, reflection, and innovation in their work. Like an artist, teachers use
teaching as a medium to express themselves. In teaching, they express their ideas and beliefs through
the senses just like the artists presenting their thoughts through their art.

In effect, they stimulate learners' thoughts and emotions just like looking at an art which evokes
interpretation and appreciation. Significantly, the art of teaching is a reflection of the teacher's
personality, too. In discussing their lessons, they use their own interpretations, experiences, and
perspectives which reflect their own self-expression. They personalize the lessons based on their
own life experiences and they "own or customize their lessons based on their perspective and
understanding of the world.

Moreover, leading learners to understand abstract ideas or concepts through posing effective
questions is an art. Even the methodologies employed by the teachers are forms of art because they
create, innovate, and strategize. More importantly, inspiring learners to pursue and enjoy learning
makes teaching an art. Inspiring teachers touch the sensibilities and humanity of their learners,
thereby motivating them better to learn and live in this world. Given all these explanations, the art in
teaching therefore springs from the teacher's personality, experience, and talents.

According to Elliot Eisner (2005), there are four (4) reasons that make teaching as an art, to wit:
1. Teaching is an art because it can be performed with such skill and grace that, for learners
as for the teacher, the experience can be justifiably characterized as aesthetic.
2. Teaching is an art because teachers, like the painters, composers, etc., make judgments
based on qualities that unfold during the course of action.
3. Teaching is an art because the teacher's activity is not dominated by prescriptions or
routine, but is influenced by qualities, and contingencies that are unpredicted.
4. Teaching is an art in the sense that the ends it achieves are often created in the process.

Teaching as a Science

Science is an organized or systematic body of knowledge that springs from empirical evidences.
Teaching is a science because it is done in a systematic and orderly manner. Like science, it entails a
deep knowledge and application of effective techniques emanating from empirical studies. The

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science element in teaching is reflected in the generalizations drawn from the research about
effective teaching and learning. The content (theories and principles) and process (pedagogical
approaches) of teaching are not products of hit and miss. They are rather the results of research-
based processes and practices promoting learner achievement.

Most learning theories like Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development, Gardners Multiple
Intelligences, Piaget's Cognitive Development, and Pavlov's Conditioning Theory are products of
intensive experimentation with children and laboratory tests with animals. These experiments drew
conclusions and implications concerning human learning and teaching. Moreover, the process of
asking questions is also considered a science. For example, answering the question, "What are the
most effective strategies to promote effective learning to grade 1 learner?" requires scientific method.
It needs evidences and reasoning which are the elements of science.

Teaching as a Craft

A craft requires a kind of skilled work that undergoes planning and executing process in order to
produce a product or object. It requires careful attention to detail with the dexterity of the worker.
The combination of teaching as both a science and art makes it a craft. Combining science and art
result to “creating” or forming individuals who may become engineers, doctors, pilots, priests, and
leaders of the country.

Teachers are like conductors of a symphony who combine the science of learning and the art of
teaching through their creativity and talent. They study theories of human development, learning,
pedagogy, classroom management, communication, and relationships, among others, in order to
connect meaningfully with the learners.

Teaching is also a craft profession because teachers possess specialized techniques in applying the
rules governing the application of the theories of knowledge and the psychology of learning and
teaching. According to Pratte and Rury (1991), craft-professionals have various skills and practices
reflecting a different sort of knowledge base. Unlike the traditional professions, teaching as a craft-
profession does not rest on a highly formal or codified body of knowledge. In teaching, much of the
teachers' knowledge is something they learn by doing or learned experientially, rather than acquired
in a systematic and highly formal manner.

Furthermore, Kerchner and Kaufman (1995) argue that "although all professions have elements of
craft knowledge, teaching's reliance on highly indeterminate, experiential knowledge rather than
codified information identifies it as a craft-profession rather than an expert-profession. This is not to
say that such knowledge is necessarily less substantial, or of a lower order, than more abstract forms
of knowledge.

Teaching as a Mission

The word mission, in its verb tense, means "to send" as it comes from the Latin word "misio".
Missioning, therefore, connotes sending one or an organized group to accomplish a mission. Just like
a person or a group of persons, teachers are commissioned to accomplish a task or perform a service.
Such tasks include developing the human resources of the country and transforming lives of learners
for the better.

As a noun, the Merriam Webster's Dictionary defines "mission"' as "task assigned". It is synonymous
with assignment' and "work". If teaching is thus a mission, then teachers are sent and entrusted to

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achieve a "task' in this world. To perform this task, they need to render their commitment, obtain
adequate preparation or training, and pursue continuing professional education.

Teaching as a Vocation

The word “vocation” is synonymous with "summon" as it comes from the Latin word "vocare" which
means “to call”. As a noun, Merriam Webster defines it as a strong desire to spend one's life doing a
certain kind of work. It is likened to the call to priesthood as there is a divine plea joining and
performing religious life.

Teaching, therefore, is a profession for which God utilizes a teacher to touch lives. Teachers are
summoned to teach because they have a strong inclination in partaking in the total formation and
transformation of young people. It is a self- giving or self-emptying enterprise, allowing them to
partake in the development of humanity.

Teachers who positively responded to their calling perceive teaching as a lifetime commitment. In
effect, they teach with passion and touch lives through the years. This commitment remains inspiring
and fulfilling thereby making teaching truly a vocation. Despite the numerous challenges and stresses
as well as low salary of the teaching profession, particularly in the private schools in the country, the
teachers' love of teaching is the key motivating factor to remain in their career.

Meaning of Profession

The term 'profession' is associated with numerous meanings. Its root word is "profess" which means
to show, demonstrate or manifest. Anyone who holds a profession is called a "professional" who is
able to profess expertise or specialization and a determination for excellence in the field. A
professional also professes commitment to public interest and devotion to moral and ethical values
which have been acquired through long and tough years of preparation. Interestingly, the term
"profession' may be identical to occupation, job, career, work, and line of work. But for a deeper
explanation, the following definitions are put forth:

1. John Goodlad (1984) defines a profession as a vocation or occupation requiring advanced

education and training and involving intellectual skills. The work is based on unique knowledge
and skills grounded in research and practice in the field. A person who caries such profession is
called a professional. He/she has completed higher education usually at the advanced level. He/
she is committed in his/her profession and upholds the dignity and the highest standards of the
profession. Customarily, professions and professionals are answerable to a written code of
ethics like the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers.

2. A profession is an occupation which performs a crucial social function. Accomplishing this

function requires a considerable degree of skill and a body of systematic knowledge that s
grounded on a theory. The acquisition of this body of knowledge and the development of such
specific skill entails a lengthy period of higher education. Essentially, the period of education and
training involves the process of socialization into professional competence and values. Among
professionals, developing these competence and values is necessary to freely and competently
make their own professional judgments on the performance of their duties and responsibilities

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Characteristics of Profession

Common characteristics of a profession include the following elements:

1. Professional autonomy - Professional autonomy is defined as “the right and privilege provided
by a governmental entity to a class of professionals and to each qualified licensed caregiver
within that profession, to provide services independent of supervision”. (Mosby’s Dental
Dictionary, 2006). In short, it is the right and freedom of professions to determine their own
actions and behavior because they are capable of governing their own members to submit to
the principles and laws that they altogether committed in practicing their profession.

Autonomy of a Profession can be determined in 2 ways:

a) Professional judgment - Teachers manifest autonomy when they have a high degree of control
of their own affairs. This is reflected when making independent judgments about their work.
They are not dictated by anyone and they do not compromise educational quality and standards
because of pressures either from the principal, parents, community leaders, and the like.

b) Self-interest and continuous process of critical evaluation - Professionals claim their

professional autonomy when they work to serve their own interests. Nonetheless, professional
autonomy can only be ensured if the members of the profession, subject their activities and
decisions to a critical evaluation by other members of the profession. To realize this, there must
be a continuous process of critical evaluation of ethics and procedures from within the
profession itself.

2. Highly developed theoretical or specialized knowledge - A profession is founded on an extensive

period of training and education. Usually, this training or education ranges from 4 to 10 years and
is basically obtained in a university or college. Through rigorous and lengthy training, the
prospective professionals learn the body of professional knowledge and skills that are distinct to
their profession. Since the knowledge and skills in the field are evolving, professional also need
continually update themselves.

3. Control of training, certification and licensing of new entrants -A new entrant undergoes
control of training, certification and licensing. Normally, aspiring professionals are initially
required to enroll in an institutionalized training in a university or college where knowledge and
skills in the field are standardized. This is where they learn specific and practical experience as
trainees. After formal training, they are certified by the degree granting institution to take the
board or licensure examination. Passing the licensure the licensure is the only way to be admitted
to the professional body which is based mainly on theoretical knowledge.

4. Self-governing and self-policing authority, especially with regard to professional ethics - All
professionals have profesional bodies. The professional association acts as an interest group
enhancing the status of their members and controlling the entry requirements to the field. The
principal goal of professional bodies to self-regulate by asserting their independence from
governmental interference especially in setting the professional standards. This is often termed as
professional closure as it seeks to inhibit entry for the unqualified and to sanction or expel
incompetent members.

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Teaching as a Profession
In the words “professional manner,” “gawang propesyonal,” “professional fee for expert services
rendered” the word “professional” implies one who possesses skill and competence/expertise.
“Highly professional “ “unprofessional… to act that way “ imply a code of ethics by which a
professional person abide. In short, a professional is one who conforms to the technical or ethical
standards of a profession. So, two elements of a profession are competence and a Code of Ethics.

The other elements of a profession are:

1. Initial professional Education – Professionals generally begin their professional lives by

completing a university program in their chosen fields- teacher education, engineering, nursing,
accountancy. This means long and arduous years of preparation. Take note this is just initial,
which means only the beginning because a professional is expected to learn endlessly.

2. Accreditation- University programs are approved by a regulatory body like the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines to ensure that graduates from these recognized
programs start their professional lives with competence.

3. Licensing- Licensing is mandatory, not voluntary and is administered by a government

authority. In the Philippines, this government authority is the Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC),

4. Professional Development - This is an ongoing professional education that maintains or

improves professionals’ knowledge and skills after they begin professional practice. In the
Philippines this is Continuing Professional Development mandated by RA 10912, otherwise
known as the CPD Act of 2016.

5. Professional Societies - Professional see themselves as part of a community of like-minded

individuals who put their professional standards above the individual self-interest or their
employer’s self- interest. These professional societies put dedication to the public interest and
commitment to moral and ethical values. Professional societies define certification criteria,
manage certification programs, establish accreditation standards and define a code of ethics and
disciplinary action for violations of that code.

6. Code of Ethics - Each profession has a code of ethics to ensure that its practitioners behave
responsibly. The code states what professionals should do. Professionals can be ejected from
their professional societies or lose their licenses to practice for violating the code of ethics.

The teaching profession is governed by the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers. Violation of the
Code of Ethics for professional teachers is one of the grounds for the revocation of the professional
teacher’s Certificate of Registration and suspension from the practice of the teaching profession
(Sec.23, RA. 7836).

Dimension of Teaching Profession

According to Tamayo (2019), the scope of the teaching profession is enormous and this makes
teaching as a multi-dimensional profession. The different dimensions are:

1. The Why of Teaching (Entering the Profession) The reasons for choosing teaching as a career
are diverse, ranging from the most inspiring to the most superfluous. One may be motivated to
become a teacher because he/she loves children or he/she likes to make a big difference in the lives

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of this children. Understanding the “why of teaching” is important among pre-service or beginning
teachers as it gives them a point of reflection on the very purpose of entering the teaching profession.
Reflecting on their ultimate intent in choosing teaching career explains, in the long run, their
classroom behavior are largely dependent on their reason/s for teaching.

2. The Who of Teaching (Learners) Learners are the reasons for the existence of teachers, school
and school administrators. Without learners, none of these would exist. Pre-service or beginning
teachers must have a good understanding of the nature of the learners such as their differences,
motivations, learning styles, intelligences, socio-cultural backgrounds and academic performance.
Since teaching profession has the mission to be learner-centered, pre-service or beginning
teachers must have a full understanding of the learners who are considered the center of
teaching, the main character of learning and the heart of all educational tasks.

3. The When of Teaching (Evolution of Teacher Education in the Philippines) Teaching is an

evolving profession. It has its early beginning and it is continually changing across time. The 21st
century presents a different social landscape for learners and this necessitates changing the mindset
of pre-service teachers in determining what to teach, how to teach and where to teach. They should
have a sound understanding of the transition of Philippine education, especially the historical growth
of education as this is essential in analyzing the educational reforms and the trends of teaching
profession in this country.

4. The How of Teaching (Pedagogy) Teachers are required to find means and ways to enhance
learners’ learning. Applying different teaching strategies is the professional identity of teachers.
Because they are equipped with varied techniques and principles of teaching, they present and
discuss things differently.

5. The What of Teaching (Curriculum) The curriculum constitutes the educational content, goals
and intended outcomes as well as competencies to be taught and developed among the learners. Pre-
service teachers need a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum as this is the basis of all
teachers’ actions. The curriculum is the roadmap of all the activities of the school and the ultimate
measure of the results of instruction. Significantly, implementing the curriculum chosen by the state
is one thing unique in the teaching profession. This curriculum ultimately defines what he learners
should learn, how they will learn it, and why they have to learn it.

6. The Where of Teaching (Field Placement) The place for teaching and learning is evolving.
Teaching no longer takes place under one roof or done through a face to face encounter between
teachers and learners. Learners are no longer confined in the four walls of the classroom.
Interestingly, information and communication technology has now re-ordered the place of teaching
and learning. Today, classrooms are structured differently equipped with the most sophisticated
technology. Moreover, teaching and learning take place anywhere at any time with the advent
of technology. With these changes, pre-service teachers need to know this dimension of teaching so
that they will be updated of the various alternative venues of teaching. This is to guarantee better
learning outcomes as there is due consideration of the learning needs, interests, circumstances
and abilities of the learners

SUMMARY
Teaching is a profession. It requires:

1. Long years of initial professional education

2. The attainment of a college /university degree recognized by a regulatory body, CHED
3. A licensure examination called the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET)

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4. Continuing professional development and

5. Adherence to the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers

Lesson 2- The Gender Responsive Roles of a Teacher

The key to understanding the teaching profession is to know the personal and professional
lives of teachers. First, it is important for us to understand that teachers are products of the family
where they belong. The family values and the home environment that shaped their beliefs, character,
and personal values are reflected in their personality, values, and personal philosophy. Second, we
need to recognize that teachers are also shaped by the society where they live. The society's
culture, values, norms, religion, and environment are influential in shaping their life as an
individual and a professional. Teachers are servant leaders in their own community. They are beacons
of light to all people whom they encounter. Third, it is already a fact that the schools they
attended are also contributory to the development of their expertise, talents, knowledge,
skills, and educational philosophy.

The Teacher as an Individual Person

Understanding the Teaching Profession requires deeper appreciation of the lives of teachers as
individuals in society. Teachers are given high regard in society for the multiple roles they perform
aside from teaching. As society becomes more complex and its values become more pluralistic, the
areas of responsibility for teachers become wider (Pelletier, 2004). Hence, teacher education
institutions (TEls) should embrace the challenge of preparing teachers who will soon carry the task
of preparing the young generation to meet the different challenges brought by an ever-changing
world. This will prepare them to become effective professionals in all tasks in various communities
where they will be assigned to serve.

Cohen, Manion, and Morrison (1996) pointed out that teaching is more than just a simple job. Some
people, especially those who choose it to be their profession, regard teaching as a higher calling and
a commitment to make positive changes in society and in the lives of all people they teach. Teachers
are modern heroes and heroines. They are servant leaders, knowledge providers, and community
organizers. It is then important to understand the life of a teacher as an individual person

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1. Teachers Have Different Talents and Skills

It is always desirable for teachers to possess various skills and talents that they can use and share
as they perform their teaching tasks. For example, teachers with musical talents are great assets.
They can organize a school choral group and integrate musical experiences in the classroom
instruction. Some teachers are also good in various types of performing arts. They organize theater
groups; teach different dance forms and other performing arts. Those who possess talents in visual
arts are also valuable in making visual aids and in integrating art-driven activities in the classroom.

In terms of skills, many teachers are very creative in designing classroom environments and in
organizing school activities. They master the art of selecting instructional methods and strategies
appropriate for their students. They are skillful in improvising different types of teaching devices
and other instructional materials.

These special talents and skills that teachers are blessed with are useful in fulfilling their noble
task of molding the minds and character of future generations of leaders, professionals, and
responsible citizens. A creative way to describe the talents and skills of a teacher is a simple written
piece about "The Body Parts of a Teacher".
a. Brain - to always think critically and creatively
b. Eyes - to see the individual needs, strength, and nature of each student
c. Ears - to listen to students' ideas and concerns
d. Hands - to guide students and show the right direction
e. Heart - to love all students regardless of who and what they are
f. Mouth - to speak the truth, discuss knowledge, and speak wisdom to students
g. Feet - to walk with students, explore the surroundings, and discover new knowledge and
information
h. Nose - to breathe deeply and relax when feeling tired or pressured

2. Teachers Have Different Needs

Teachers have needs to be fulfilled every day. They have emotional, social, spiritual, physical, and
economic needs, but many times, their call to duty make them set aside their individual needs.

During the night and weekends, teachers are still obliged to make their lesson plans, check papers,
and accomplish other school forms and reports, among other things. Hence, they end up sacrificing
their own needs in order to serve. It must be known, however, that teachers need time to relax,
rest, and enjoy with their families.

Teachers have economic needs. In television and newspapers, we hear about teachers joining
rallies to increase their salaries and to fight for their rights. This is because the salary they receive
is not tantamount to the enormous tasks they have to do inside and outside school. While teaching
is not a profession that will make someone rich, teachers also need money to sustain their daily
needs and to feed their own families.

Teachers need security and justice. Some teachers suffer from the perils of injustice. Some are
victims of kidnapping by lawless groups while some are victims of school officials, too. At times,
they are forced to buy products sold by their superiors or buy gifts for them during Christmas and

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birthdays. Their promotions are sometimes tainted by giving lavish gifts and other favors to their
superiors rather than by the merit of their performance. Teachers need to be free from all the stress
of school politics.

Teachers need to be recognized and appreciated to boost their morale and self - esteem. This
does not mean they want appreciation for the services they render. It only means that people must
be more understanding of the life and duty of a teacher. The school should provide them with a
nurturing environment that allows individual and professional growth. The school should also
recognize the outstanding works and commitments of teachers. Given these, the best reward for
a teacher, however, is to see his/her former students succeed in their profession.

Teachers need spiritual support. The tasks of a teacher are heavy to bear considering all the
demands of their job and all the unnecessary stress they experience. Every day, they are molding
the minds of the next generation's leaders and citizens. In doing these tasks, teachers need some
form of spiritual guidance and inspiration regardless of their religion.

Teachers need role clarity. Another recurring need of teachers has been to identity the various
roles he/she has to perform, to explore how clear the expectations for each role are (role clarity),
and to understand possible tensions between different roles (role conflict). Often times, many
teachers are surprised about the roles, duties, and expectations they have to perform inside and
outside the classroom. These tasks range from teaching, serving as role models, and dealing with
various individuals and social institutions.

Teachers have social needs. They need to socialize in society to know people and understand the
social realities experienced by students every day. As an agent of society, teachers need to have
good relationship with other social agencies and groups. They need to build good relationship with
families, community leaders, and other professionals.

Teachers need to cope with various challenges and changes. The teaching profession requires
teachers to respond to different challenges and changes brought by information technology,
changing social values system, economic challenges, and cultural diversity. Changes can provide
opportunities to innovate and can act as an important catalyst for a critical reflection of established
practices. However, changes may also cause unprecedented stress to teachers. They need to have
better understanding of the diversity of learners in terms of learning styles, thinking preferences,
needs, interests, socio-economic status, and other diversity factors related to learners. These will
require teachers to develop new leadership, pedagogical, and social skills.

3. Teachers Have Individual Rights

All human beings are entitled to enjoy specific rights. These human rights are enshrined in the
United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in Article Il of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution. As an individual, every teacher is entitled to enjoy all human rights identified by the
state.

In their work, labor laws ensure that their employers give their privileges and fair treatment in
doing their duties. Their status as employees is protected by a system granting them permanency
status or tenure. The Manual of Regulations for Private School Teachers and the Magna Carta
for Public School Teachers also guarantee that all teachers enjoy their rights and ensure justice
in the conduct of their duties as professionals. They are free to organize or join any professional
organizations that will help them grow professionally. They enjoy freedom of expression that
guarantees their voices and opinions to be heard and respected. For tertiary faculty members, they

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enjoy academic freedom that enables them to do research and publish their scholarly works and
opinions.

Often times, teachers are also among the most common victims of human rights violations. It is
unfortunate that some teachers are victims of unfair labor practices and abuse of authority by some
school officials. Teachers from conflict areas are also victims of kidnapping and other forms of
abuses.

As individuals, teachers have the right to enjoy a dignified life. A life that is free from any forms of
threat and danger. They are entitled to be protected by the state from any form of lawlessness.
Article Xlll Section 1 to Section 3 of the Philippine Constitution enshrines the commitment of the
state to ensure social justice, human rights, and labor rights of each individual that includes teachers.

The Teacher as a Professional

By virtue of Republic Act 7836, amended by Republic Act 9293, teaching was professionalized and
thereby requiring teachers to take the Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET). As professionals, teachers
are bound to perform specific duties to the society especially to schools and students guided by a
professional code of ethics.

Teaching is always regarded as a vocation by many people. However, the government deemed it
necessary to recognize teaching as a profession giving the highest regard to teachers as professionals.
This does not in any way make teaching a profession or a job to earn money but it enables us to regard
teaching in a grand manner, a noble profession for individuals who are willing to dedicate their lives
and services in the development of future citizens and leaders of the country.

The following are the 7 R's that professional teachers need to do and to learn as professionals.

1. Remember to perform your duties with high degree of professionalism. A teacher should not allow
his or her integrity to be destroyed due to personal greed and bad politics. Teachers should avoid
cheating their students' grades and practice favoritism in their classes.

2. Respond to the needs of each student with utmost level of concern to the welfare and well-being
of each student.

3. Recognize that as professionals, you must continuously seek professional career advancements
through joining professional associations, attending continuing education activities for teachers,
and doing graduate studies 4. Reawaken your passion and sense of mission to serve all types of
learners regardless of their religion, socio-economic status, gender, race, intellectual ability, and
learning modalities.

5. Renew your commitment to help each learner to learn in order to have a better future. A teacher
must believe that each learner can have a good future if he/she equips each learner with the right
knowledge and skills that each learner may use in the future.

6. Re-evaluate your attitudes towards students and your work ethics.

7. Relearn, learn, and unlearn many things to keep you updated with new knowledge and
information. A teacher must be always active in the business of life-long learning.

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Currently, there are also few teachers who are not behaving professionally. There are teachers who
are facing legal cases for sexual harassment and other forms of abuses against students. There are
also some who receive money in order to give honors and other awards to undeserving students.
There is news of teachers trying to buy their tenure and promotions by giving gifts and other forms
of favors to education officials. We witness some news of teachers who are involved in extra-marital
relationships. There is also a general observation that some teachers have very low content
knowledge in the subjects they are teaching. These acts deconsecrate teaching as a noble profession.

Amidst these frustrating facts, still there are many Filipino teachers who are doing their best to live
as outstanding professionals and citizens. A number of teachers in various levels are recipients of
various awards and recognitions such as the Metro Bank Award for Outstanding Teachers, the
Central Bank Guro ng Pag-asa Award, and other awards from various institutions of the society.

There are also many unsung heroes and heroines among the teaching population especially those
who are assigned to teach in local and indigenous communities. These teachers are the volunteer and
mobile teachers who have dedicated their lives in order to help students learn and develop. Many of
them are dedicated and committed in performing their sacred duty to help students become-
functionally literate and be responsible citizens.

The Teacher as a Community Leader and Social Advocate

Educators play an important role in the development of people and communities. Jan and Ed
Philpot (1994) concretized this idea by encouraging a stronger link between home, school, and
community through effective programs developed and implemented by teachers. The life of a
teacher is neither confined in the four corners of the classroom nor limited inside the school or campus
for a teacher is an active leader in the community. Teachers always take leadership roles in their
communities especially in activities and projects related to the education and welfare of young children.
They also provide leadership roles in various cultural development programs in their communities.
Finally, teachers provide technical and professional assistance in the local communities where they
belong.

To illustrate these, know that in many local government units especially in the barangay, teachers
are part of the local community's Committee on Child Protection, Education and Welfare. They help
the community in implementing certain provisions of Republic Act 7610 known as the "Special
Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act." They represent the local
schools in their area to develop an education plan and welfare programs for young children protected
under this law.

Furthermore, teachers give advice on education matters and they serve as leaders and
organizers of community activities for children, women, and youth. PE teachers serve as
coaches to sports events and teaching cultural presentations like songs and dances. Some
teachers serve as judges to competitions while others are elected as officers to community-
based organizations. Teachers are always active in performing many leadership roles in the
community where they belong.

Teachers also serve as advocates for quality education, protection and welfare of children and
youth, promotion of literacy, human rights, wellness and health, justice, and many other concerns.
They support free and honest elections, they help people understand the effects of irresponsible
use of resources, and they advocate values formation in the community. In many places, we see

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teachers as freedom fighters organizing various members of the community to sustain the dignity
of life

The Teacher as a Model of Character

Since ancient times, teachers are recognized as exemplars of good character, attitude, and
values. They are keepers of values and traditions of different cultures around the world. Many people
consider them as prophets, spiritual leaders, and great mentors. For Christians, Jesus is the perfect kind
of teacher and leader to emulate. For the Chinese, the teachings and values of Confucius are always
put in a very high regard. The Prophet Muhammad is also the most influential teacher-leader for the
Muslims. The life and teachings of Buddha are also very influential among the Buddhists. Plato and
Aristotle are regarded as great teachers during their time in Greece. These model teachers used their
good nature and character to influence people. They stand on their principles and beliefs, and they
faithfully perform their duties at all times.

Currently, we still see many teachers exemplifying good values and character. In the international
scene, we see that many Nobel Laureates and Pulitzer Award Winners are teachers in higher
education. In the Philippines, some of the recipients of Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) and Ten
Outstanding Women in Nation's Service (TOWNS) are also teachers. Every year, we hear news about
outstanding teachers from basic education to tertiary education levels.

There are also many teachers who are exemplars of good character who remain doing their duties
with humility and excellence. They may have neither received any award nor recognition but still
have excelled in their fields. They continuously influence the lives of many students who came to
learn under their care and they extend their time to teach and touch the lives of their learners. They
are good mentors and they are dedicated professionals who work not for an award or recognition
but for their passion to touch the lives and to shape the future of their learners.

In many places, we also hear and read stories of successful individuals attributing their successes in
life due to the influence and nurturing character of great teachers. This simply shows that amidst the
ups and downs of teacher qualities, the society has never stopped producing great teachers who
continue to serve as models and molders for students across generations

The Teacher as an Expert

Since ancient times, teachers are recognized as sources of wisdom and information in every Society.
Aside from teaching, they serve as guides, counselors, judges, and spiritual leaders in the society.
Through the knowledge they share, they attract attention from many students and individuals. They
are given prominent positions in royal courts, giving expert opinions and advice to kings and other
community leaders. They enjoy political influence in every community where they belong in the
history of mankind.

Though teachers no longer hold any political power today, still, there are many teachers who are
known experts in many fields and disciplines. Their ideas penetrated all aspects of life through the
wisdom, knowledge, values, and skills they shared to their students who became leaders and citizens
in all generations.

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The need for teachers to be experts in various fields in the academe serves the purpose to prepare
students to respond to myriad of challenges brought by the 21st Century. Shulman (1987) tried to
organize important domains of knowledge that are important for teachers:

1. Knowledge in content - Teachers should know the subject matter they teach.

2. Pedagogical content knowledge - It represents a perfect blend of content and pedagogy into a
framework for understanding how subjects, topics, and lessons are organized into instruction. It
simply means teachers should master the subject they are teaching and they should know how to
teach it effectively.

3. Knowledge about learners - This is the idea of the different learning styles, thinking styles, and
educational needs of the learners.

4. General pedagogical knowledge - This includes general theories and principles of teaching. In
addition, these are general pedagogical principles that are applicable to any classroom situation and
in any teaching and learning context.

5. Knowledge of educational contexts - Educational context may focus on the cultural, economic,
political, and education context that shape and influence education.

6. Curriculum knowledge - This is about the knowledge of innovations, curriculum designs,

curriculum materials, assessment, and. the curriculum process.

7. Knowledge of educational ends, purposes, and values - This is the understanding of the
principles, theories, and purposes of education to have deep appreciation of the enduring values
of education.

Teachers play an important role in the total educational system of any country. The expertise of
teachers in content and in pedagogy is contributory to their immense task of molding the mind and
character of every individual person (in all gender) who become their students. The knowledge they
instilled in the minds of their students will always be useful and relevant in everyday life. As experts
in different areas, teachers need to possess the 4 C's.

1. Creativity - a cognitive ability to think outside the box, to develop new ideas, to possess outstanding
talent, and to lead effectively. lt is also a capacity to innovate.

2. Critical Thinking - a cognitive ability and capacity to think critically in solving problems, making
decisions, and in processing ideas.

3. Commitment - a passion to make a difference in the lives of each learner.

4. Character - an exemplar of positive values

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 EDUC 203- THE TEACHING PROFESSION

APPLICATION: Let’s Apply What You Learned

A. Write your learning of this lesson.

1. Make a brief explanation of your learning from each topic.

The Concept of Teaching as a Profession

 Meaning of Teaching
 Metaphors of Teaching
 Meaning of Profession
 Characteristics of a Profession
 Teaching as a Profession
 Dimension of Teaching Profession

The Gender-Responsive Roles of a Teachers in the Society

 As a Person
 As a Professional
 As a Community Leader and Social Advocate
 As a Model of Character
 As an Expert
2. How GAD is integrated in the Role of a teacher in the society

3. Students are called at random to share their learning.

B. Write your Career Statement.

“My Career Statement”

I have chosen teaching as a career because _________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

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