GENEMAR T.

MARTE
TEACHER I

REFLECTION ON THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS

Code of ethics has been considered as the bible of the teachers as it enclosed all the
things that a dignified teacher must exemplified considering that teaching is the noblest
profession of all. Without teacher there will be no other profession exist as teachers and
educators are the one who molds the holistic aspect of person academically and
attitude. During our School Learning Action Cell in our department mathematics, the
topic was the review of the code of ethics for teachers. As for my opinion teachers
should be acquainted from moments about our duties and responsibilities as a teacher
inside or outside the classroom.

One of the things I learned from one of the master teacher in mathematics
department as speaker was that teachers are expected to be fair to all their students
and not to take advantage of their position in any way. For example, you can't accept
expensive gifts from students because it might appear to bias you. This make teacher
stand dignified and promotes equality and fairness among his/her student. I believe that
applying this persona makes student build respect and dignity to a teacher.

Above all, the things I learned from this LAC session is that being a teacher is not
a simple vocation. Teacher should embody a person that is a model in works, in
personality and in attitude. Students have a simple thinking, they copy what they see
and what they see they believe is the right thing. The Code of Ethics for professional
teachers outlines a set of principles that guides the teachers to discharge their duties
towards students, parents, colleagues, community, and teaching practices and
performance or the teaching profession. To end this, I have come up to my mind a
simple question. Why is code of ethics important? For me, it is important because
teachers take on a leadership role and should lead by example. When teachers abide
by a code of ethics and show behavior and advise students according to those ethics,
students get a sense of being in a safe learning environment with a person they can
trust.
The code of ethics for teachers is designed to protect the rights of the students, all
the students. It is important that teachers understand that when they get a
teaching position they are agreeing to follow the code of ethics. I hadn't realized
some the things that were in it so I am glad we went over it. Teachers are expected
to be fair to all their students and not to take advantage of their position in any
way. For example, you can't accept expensive gifts from students because it might
appear to bias you. You can't push your personal beliefs on students because they
are a "captive audience". You need to have a professional relationship with all
students and not let it get too casual and familiar. Apparently, there is quite a bit of
abuse that is happening in the school. You need to protect your students' safety
and not believe that this is someone else's job. The main thing is not to abuse the
power that your position, over your students, might give you. Think through the
implications of what happens. Also, our country separates "church and state".
Whether you agree with this or not, as a teacher you need to respect this and keep
religious bias out of the classroom.