Module 3: The teacher as a Person

Introduction:
Vocation comes from the Latin word “vocare” which means to call. From the eyes of those of
belive, it was God who called you here for you to teach, just as He called Abraham, Moses, and
Mary of the Bible. Teaching is also a mission. The word mission comes from the Latin word
“misio” which means “to send”. It is a task entrusted to you in this world. If you are entrusted
and assigned a task, then naturally you have to be prepared for it. Lastly, teaching is a
profession, just like any profession such as engineering, nursing or accounting. Therefore, to be
professional, you should excel in your field, devote long and arduous years of preparation,
striving for excellence, dedication to your profession and commitment to moral and ethical
values.

Outcomes:
1. Explain teaching as a vocation, mission and profession
2. Internalize and embrace teaching as a vocation, mission and profession

Teacher as a Person of Good Moral Character

Teachers are duly licensed professional who possess dignity and reputation with high
moral values as well as technical and professional competence

Four Ways of Describing Good Moral Character:

1. Being fully human – have realized substantially potential as a human person
2. Being a loving person – are caring in an unselfish and mature manner with self, other
people and God
3. Being virtuous person – have acquired good habits and attitudes and practice then
consistently in daily life.
4. Being a morally mature person – have reached a level of development emotionally,
socially, mentally, spiritually appropriate to developmental stage.

Teaching as Vocation, Mission and Profession

Vocation is call.
Mission is to send and is a task assigned.
Profession is long and arduous years of preparation, a striving for excellence, a
dedication to the public interest, and commitment to moral and ethical values
Teaching is a social practice whose importance is unquestioned, even if what makes it
important remains subject of continued debate. Teachers work in public spheres, under the
scrutiny of their students, their peers, their administrators, parents, and other concerned adults.
Though much of their work may be conducted within the confines of the classroom, what goes
on there rarely left at the door. It becomes part of the loves of the individual students, part of
the life of the school, and often a central part of the life of the teacher him-or herself. Teachers
can play a significant role in what young people learn, and in how they learn to learn, in how
they come to view learning itself. They can influence young people’s personal disposition
towards others, and toward their own futures. Their influence, for good or for ill, can extend
well beyond the duration of schooling, as anyone who remembers teachers they have had can
readily attest.

Teaching and a Life of Meaning

Teaching is the noblest profession. Teaching may not be a lucrative position. It cannot
guarantee financial security. It even means investing your personal time, energy, and resource.
Sometimes it means disappointments, heartaches, and pains. But touching the hearts of people
and opening the minds of children can give joy and contentment which money could not buy.