. 1 I. Preliminaries A. Practice Teaching What is Practice Teaching?

The practical implementation of the

information and strategies that students have learned in Holy Cross College is what we know as practice
teaching. In and outside of school classrooms the student teachers practice what they have learned and
are supervised by teachers from the college, cooperating teachers, and school principals. Practice
Teaching is a crucial part of every student teacher‟s life during college. Student teachers or pre-service
teachers are college students teaching under the supervision of a certified teacher in order to qualify for
a degree in education. These certified teachers are called cooperating teachers and the school where
this teacher is working is called the cooperating school. Why do we have to undergo Practice Teaching?
The Purpose of Practice Teaching is to provide qualified teachers that are prepared and trained by
following one of the practical educational theories in one of the three levels: Elementary, Intermediate,
High School. In my case then it is High School level. Another reason is to prepare student teachers for
their career as teachers by incorporating them completely into the school atmosphere so that they feel
as if they are part of the school. Next is to think and meditate on the practical reality of teaching. It also
pushes to encourage student teachers to be creative and to develop their abilities as a professional
teacher. B. Student Teacher’s Code of Ethics The Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession
provide a framework of principles that describes the knowledge, skills, and values inherent in
Philippines‟ teaching profession. These standards articulate the goals and aspirations of the profession.
These standards convey a collective vision of professionalism that guides the daily practices of Student
Teachers of the Institute of Teacher Education. The Purposes of the Ethics of Practice Teaching are: to
inspire a shared vision for the teaching profession to identify the values, knowledge and skills that are
distinctive to the teaching profession to guide the professional judgment and actions of the teaching
profession to promote a common language that fosters an understanding of what it means to be a
member of the teaching profession.

1. 4. 2 The Standards of Practice Teaching are: Commitment to Students and Student Learning
Student Teachers are dedicated in their care and commitment to students. They treat students
equitably and with respect and are sensitive to factors that influence individual student learning.
Student Teachers facilitate the development of students as contributing citizens of the Filipino
society. Professional Knowledge Student Teachers strive to be current in their professional
knowledge and recognize its relationship to practice. They understand and reflect on student
development, learning theory, pedagogy, curriculum, ethics, educational research and related
policies and legislation to inform professional judgment in practice. Professional Practice
Student Teachers apply professional knowledge and experience to promote student learning.
They use appropriate pedagogy, assessment and evaluation, resources and technology in
planning for and responding to the needs of individual students and learning communities.
Student Teachers refine their professional practice through ongoing inquiry, dialogue and
reflection. Leadership in Learning Communities Student Teachers promote and participate in the
creation of collaborative, safe and supportive learning communities. They recognize their shared
responsibilities and their leadership roles in order to facilitate student success. Student Teachers
maintain and uphold the principles of the ethical standards in these learning communities.
Ongoing Professional Learning Student Teachers recognize that a commitment to ongoing
professional learning is integral to effective practice and to student learning. Professional practice
and self-directed learning are informed by experience, research, collaboration and knowledge.
2. 5. 3 Code of Ethics for Student Teachers The Code addresses the interdependent duties, rights and
responsibilities of student teachers, faculty members and educational partners. By addressing
common issues and needs, the Code seeks to articulate and make explicit ethical principles that
 transcend disciplinary boundaries. These principles reflect the fundamental values that are
expressed in the duties, rights and responsibilities of all involved in Teacher Education. The Code
requires a reasonable flexibility in the implementation of common principles. It is designed to help
those involved in Teacher Education, as a matter of sound ethical reasoning, to understand and
respect the contexts in which they work and accommodate the needs of others. The Code seeks to
encourage continued reflection and thoughtful response to ethical issues. It does not seek
definitive answers to all ethical questions or situations. Rather, it seeks to outline the guiding
principles to ethical conduct and to identify major issues which are essential to the development
and implementation of this Code. Context of an ethics framework for student teachers The
principles and norms guiding ethical conduct are developed within an ever-evolving complex
societal context, elements of which include the need for reflective action and ethical principles.
Education is premised on a fundamental moral commitment to advance and construct knowledge
and to ensure human understanding and respect for individual and collective well being and
integrity. The moral imperative of respect translates into the following ethical principles that
assume a student-centered perspective as outlined for Teacher Education. Ethics and law
“Teaching is governed by a legal and regulatory framework” . The law affects and regulates the
standards and norms of teaching behaviors in a variety of ways such as respecting privacy,
confidentiality, intellectual property, competence. Human rights legislation prohibits
discrimination and recognizes equal treatment as fundamental to human dignity and well being.
Teachers should respect the spirit of the Rights and Freedoms particularly the sections dealing
with life, liberty and the security of the person as well as those involving equality and
discrimination and the Article 11, of R.A. No. 7836 that sets out the obligations and rights of
teachers.
3. 6. 4 Guiding ethical principles Ethical student teachers should respect the following guiding ethical
principles: Respect for human dignity Speaks and acts towards all students with respect and
dignity; and deals judiciously with them at all times, always mindful of their individual rights and
personal sensibilities. Respects the dignity and responsibilities of cooperating teachers, peers,
principals, parents and other professionals or para-professionals within the school, school board
and community. Respect for vulnerable persons Respects and recognizes ethical obligations
towards vulnerable persons. This principle recognizes that students are in a vulnerable position
and that student teachers are in a privileged relationship with students and their families and will
always refrain from exploiting that relationship in any form or manner. Respect for confidentiality
and privacy Respects the confidential nature of all information related to students and their
families and will share such information in an appropriate manner only with those directly
concerned with their welfare. Respects the confidential nature of all information related to all
school personnel and will share such information in an appropriate manner. Respect for justice
Respects and recognizes the right of individuals to be treated with fairness and equity and the
importance of avoiding conflicts of interest. Respect for safety of students Respects the right of
individuals to expect that student teachers will engage in practices that aim to ensure the physical,
psychological and emotional safety of students. Respect for existing ethical codes and professional
standards Respects the authority, roles and responsibilities of the cooperating teacher and agrees
to adhere to the responsibilities and obligations for teachers as outlined in the Education Act,
Faculty and University handbooks as well as all local agreements by host school boards and
schools. Balancing harm and benefits Acknowledges that any potentially harmful practices (e.g.
Science Labs and Physical Education Activities) must be balanced with anticipated benefits and
conducted in a prudent informed manner.
4. 7. 5 C. My Philosophy of Education as a Secondary Teacher The one exclusive sign of thorough
knowledge is the power of teaching. ~ Aristotle Do you know why we are here today? What is our
purpose in life? Isn‟t it we always look for ways to find our calling? Looking back over my four
 years in college, I have become a passionate believer in the teaching profession and its power and
ability to empower all those that come into contact with it. Whether you are someone that
possesses natural talent or not, everyone has relevant experiences that they can bring to the table
when they are approaching and interacting with teaching. Unquestionably, for me, teaching has
been a lifesaver. It enables me to express my innermost thoughts and feelings: happiness, fear,
frustration, anger, sadness, pain and love. No matter the medium, teaching manages to surge
through my soul and become something tangible for all to see. That is the power of teaching that is
a part of my belief as future teacher. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.
~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. If you think you are intelligent that‟s good but without character it is
useless. Number one misconception about education is “Teachers are the ones who impose ideas
and form a student‟s habit.” Wrong! We are only facilitators not dictators. Everyone is different
therefore we cannot force our own beliefs into the mind of the child. What does a teacher do then?
Teachers only select the best influences to make the students infer into doing the right things in
life. These influences or stimuli chosen by the teachers affect the students and assist them into
becoming better individuals with intelligence. We cater to different personalities and social
background that‟s why psychology is a subject taken by education students. This helps us in
guiding the students to the right path by understanding how the mind works. So for me, the goal of
true education is to make someone an individual filled with wisdom and right attitude towards life.
Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself. ~ John Dewey The moment a student
enters the gates of the school, many doors open for the individual. Education still happens even
after the student gets home. Education is left after schooling. We are not just teaching for the sake
of the present situations. We teach for a future generation of lifelong learners. My philosophy as a
secondary teacher is influenced by these quotes of famous people. Not because they are famous
but because what these words convey cut through me and stay within me. This is what school
looks like at Diosdado Macapagal High School. This is what teaching looks like. It’s nothing special
really; it’s just life itself.
5. 8. 6 II. Description of the Cooperating School A. History History of Diosdado Macapagal High School
DMHS is situated in Sto. Domingo, Mexico, Pampanga. It is 2.5 km. away from the town proper. The
school was jointly conceptualized in the year 2003 by the love & concern of the officials of the
Municipality of Mexico headed by the Municipal Mayor Ernesto Punzalan. The municipality
acquired 10, 759 sq. meter lot thru a deed sale on April 2003 from the Inocencio Family. School
year 2004-2005 was its first year operation with 97 students and 3 teachers. Mrs. Irma C. Tengco
acted as teacher in charge & Mrs. Remedios P. Asuncion, the principal of San Juan High School was
appointed as officer in charge. 1st set of officers were elected headed by the president, Mrs. Lerna
D. Panganoran. The baby school started to grow gradually with the help of the PTA Officers & the
ever active busy councilors of Sto. Domingo Angel David and Mrs. Tengco. Mayor Teddy Tumang
has been very supportive to extend help to the school. On its 2nd year of operation, the Division
office has been given the school new head in the person of Mrs. Dolores I. Pelayo, head teacher
deployed from San Isidro High School in Sta. Ana and additional 3 teachers who were deployed
from other schools. The student population increased to 181. The following school year then had
307 students and in S. Y. 2007-2008 the population increased to 443. During the administration of
Mrs. Dolores I. Pelayo, physical development of the school was accomplished such as,
beautification and painting of the office, faculty room & classrooms; putting up plant boxes and
planting of ornamental plants; planting of mahogany trees; purchasing of cabinet for laboratory
apparatus & bookshelves in the science room; acquisition of computers with tables and printers;
installation of grills and construction of the comfort room for female teachers.
6. 9. 7 It was June 13, 2006 when the Sangguniang Bayan headed by the Vice Mayor Roy D.
Manalastas made Resolution no. 046-2006 authorizing Municipal Mayor, Teddy C. Tumang to cause
the donation and transfer of the land title of DMHS issued in the name of the Municipality of Mexico
in favor of the Department of Education. It was August 3, 2006, when the Deed of Donation,
Transfer and Acceptance was executed by and between the Municipal Mayor Teddy C. Tumang and
our school‟s Division Superintendent, Rosalina G. Luna. Then on August 28, 2006, the authority to
operate the complete secondary course (First year-Fourth year) for S. Y. 2006-2007 was granted.
The separation of Diosdado Macapagal High School from Mexico National High School was granted
on September 20, 2006. On September 7, 2007, Mrs. Amelita V. Ordoñez was assigned as the new
principal of DMHS by the DepED. In the S. Y. 2007-2008, it had its first batch of graduates consisting
of 105 graduates. The following year has increased its population to 533 until it reached 856 in the
S. Y. 2010-2011. In the year 2009, an additional room was constructed in the 2nd floor which was
utilized as the Computer Laboratory. A covered court was also established through the courtesy of
Congressman Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. Then a two-storey building consisting of two classrooms
was constructed. The school front gate was also constructed and the perimeter fence was initially
started through the project “Sayaw mo, Bakod ko”. Likewise, the kitchen was constructed. 20
computer units were acquired from CICT-HDG. Furthermore, the street lights along the pathway
were installed through the support of the PTA. On May 2, 2011, Mr. Rolando F. Zapanta was
assigned as the new principal of the school. In S. Y. 2011-2012, the students increased to 1, 101.
Then it boosted to 1, 368 this school year. The school had its pathway, fountain and guard house.
Beautification of Math and Science Garden was made; fencing of the school was continued; grills in
the Computer Room, which is now on the first floor, were constructed with the courtesy of Gov.
Lilia G. Pineda. On January 8, 2013, a new principal was assigned to supervise the school, in the
person of Mrs. Lani C. Agajona. At present, there are 28 nationally funded teachers serving the
students at their best. The 28 talented and resourceful teachers headed by the hardworking and
responsible principal are working together to cater to 1, 368 students of the school. The students
came from different barangays of the town of Mexico: Sto. Domingo, San Nicolas, San Pablo, San
Roque, San Lorenzo, Sto. Cristo, Lagundi, Sto. Rosario, San Antonio and Parian. Even the nearly
town Sta. Ana, benefits from the school for there are also students coming from San Pedro, San
Juan, San Joaquin, Sta. Maria, San Jose, Sta. Lucia, San Nicolas and Santiago. Likewise, there are
also some students coming from San Luis and the City of San Fernando. In its nine years of
operation, it had achieved much improvement in structures & faculties through the cooperation
and unity of the School Administrator, Faculty, Parents, PTA officers, Brgy. Captain and Councilors,
Municipal Mayor and other Officials and community, the school continuously aims high in offering
quality education.