Cases

Read the cases and determine the possible issues/concerns might the
scenario raise. Additionally, provide the related provision/s from the code of
ethics and the best course of action.
1. It is almost the end of the school year. While Mrs. Florencia prepares
for her final grades, a parent comes in and offers a valuable amount
of cash to help his daughter get better grades.
1.1 What if the parent just inquires about the grades while handing
over a basket of food?
The Code of Ethics for Teachers is designed to protect the rights of the
students, all the students. Teachers are expected to be fair to all their
students and not to take advantage of their position in any way.
In the Section 4 of the Article VII of the Code of Ethics, it is stated that 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. While the gesture of handing over a basket of food is only
indicative of requesting for a favor, the teacher must avoid any action that
will put him/her against the set rule of not accepting favors in exchange of
getting better grades. At this point, a teacher must clarify that nothing
should expected in return to the basket of grade because fairness and justice
must prevail.

2. Ms. H is a private school teacher who has been in the service for more
than a decade. She is friendly and even provides free tutorials after
school. One her students, R has been failing subjects prior to her
helping him. It has been a year now and R is doing so much better.
They would often email and text using their personal numbers. But
what started as conversations like his coping with school activities is
 now more general and unrelated to school work. R has recently
opened up his feelings towards Ms. H and sent her romantic
messages.
2.1 What if Ms. H feels the same way?
Feeling romantic the same way to a student simply means that Ms. H is
crossing beyond her boundary. Student-teacher relationship must not go
beyond the limits of the profession. In section 7 of the Article 3 of the
Code of Ethics, it is stated that 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.
Then, Ms. H must know that romantic relationship with her student ends
their professional relationship. If the student is minor, this is of course
unacceptable.

3. Mr. B is a newly hired public school teacher. Prior to joining the

DepEd he has been in other fields of business. Charming, cheerful and
friendly, he has now added some of his colleagues on social media.
Some teachers however, notice that there were several posts about
his being attracted to young, beautiful girls— “the prettier, the better.
The youngest, the best.”
There are many ways that Mr. B may go against the Code of Ethics of
Teachers. Mainly, he must not forget that in Article 3 Section 3, it is
stated that 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. He must understand that online social
media posts are read by many in the community. He must protect his
image and reputation there. It must be in accordance with righteousness
and morality.

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 4. Mr. R has recently made public announcements on his bid to the city
council. He visited one school and told the principal that he will build
a hand washing facility but would like his face and name to be painted
in the structure.
In the Article 2, Section 7 of the Code of Ethics, it is stated that the
teacher shall not use his position or facial authority or influence to
coerce any other person to follow any political course of action. Mr. R
must not continue his plan because this is directly against the policy.

5. Lolita is one your students. She has confided to you that she has been
raped by her uncle. She told you to keep it a secret or she will run
away. The perpetrator is a known drug-user.

In the Article 8, Section 3, it says that a teacher shall recognize that the
interest and welfare of learners are his first and foremost concern, and
shall handle each learner justly and impartially. Hence, there are policies
that DepEd has given such as the DepEd Child Protection Policy wherein
we prioritize the interest of the child and apply zero-tolerance policy for
any act of child abuse and violence.

Following the guidelines of the state policies, I will help my student attain
justice and acquire what is rightfully hers.