A code of conduct is a set of written guidelines, produced by public authorities or professional organizations, which details the set of recognized ethical norms (or values) and professional standards of conduct to which all members of a profession must adhere.
In particular, such codes aim to enhance the commitments, dedications, and efficiency of service of members of the teaching profession, and to provide self-disciplinary guidelines by establishing norms of professional conduct.
Codes are being developed in an increasing number of countries either by an autonomous body, as in Hong Kong, or by teacher organizations themselves, as in the province of Ontario in Canada. Research has shown that teacher codes can be an effective instrument for promoting ethics in education. However, their implementation sometimes proves difficult due to – among other variables – limited access, unclear content, and inadequate teacher training, as shown in IIEP’s research in South Asia (access publication).
To help countries in the design and implementation of teacher codes, IIEP has developed Guidelines, describing every step involved in the development of a code. Access more resources on IIEP's online toolkit on teacher codes.
Consult examples of codes taken from around 76 different countries worldwide, by clicking on the map below:
Move the cursor over the countries in green on the map to get tooltips for each country, including the name of the code, the date of adoption, and a link to download the PDF. You can also access these codes by clicking on the list of countries below.
CC = Code of Conduct
CE = Code of Ethics
CP = Professional Code
In the previous blog,we have talked about the professionalization of teachers. The things that they should’ve undergone before being called a professional is listed there. Now we are to discuss the Code of Ethics for professional teachers in which they must adhere, observe and practice.
So what is this code of ethics for professional teachers all about? To be able to understand better, I will elaborate each article listed under the code of ethics for professional teachers.
Article I – Scope and Limitations
The provision of this code shall be applied to all the teachers in all schools in the Philippines. By this doing this, quality education will be achieved for all Filipino citizens.
Article II – The teacher and the State
Here, the teacher is said to build every individual’s national morality to the love of the country to the extent that they are aware of their surroundings and obey the laws implemented by the country. It is believed that schools are the nurseries of the citizens of the state. Therefore, teachers must be able to fully transmit cultural and educational heritage to their learners. Teachers must also be role-models when it comes to human rights and responsibilities.
Article III – The teacher and the community
Teachers must be able to provide an environment that is conducive to learning and growth of the youth. They are the guides of the youth to becoming better and successful people in the future. Their services aren’t limited inside the classroom only. Though it extends to the community. By this, I mean to say that they must be active as a leader in the community and must be involved when it comes to matters affecting the welfare of the people.
Article IV – The Teacher and the Profession
Being a professional teacher is a serious matter. They must love and embrace their profession wholeheartedly. In addition to that, they must be dedicated for it is part of their pride. Every teacher must have this attitude of having an open mind while being aware of continuous growth for betterment.
Article V – The Teacher and the Community
Teachers must work with each other for they make up one community. They shall be imbued with the spirit of professional loyalty, mutual confidence, faith in one another, self-sacrifice for the common good, and full cooperation with colleagues. When the best interest of the learners, the school, or the profession is at stake in any controversy, teachers shall support one another.
Article VI – The Teacher and Higher Authorities in the Philippines
Teachers must be honest and respectful. They are also expected to be knowledgeable and must understand the policies implemented in the school which they are working with. They shall not make any false accusations unless they find faults or injustice or superiors, in that case they must speak or raise their grievances within democratic process.
Article VII – School Officials, Teachers and Other Personnel
If teachers stand as lights to a students’ dark path, school officials are the ones who stand as guides of the teachers. They provide for the needs of the teachers and they ensure that they keep the professionalization of teachers on track.
Article VIII – The Teacher and Learners
The teachers must be fair to their students. They shall recognize that the interest and welfare of the learners as their first and foremost concern, and shall handle each learners justly and impartially. Also, they are to insure that the maximum development of learners is adequate. As second parents, they must extend needed assistance by preventing and solving learners’ problems and difficulties.
Article IX – The Teacher and Parents
Teachers must keep in touch with the parents of their learners by building a good relationship via communication. It will build a better understanding between them which will help with the learners’ development and will diminish unfair criticism.
Article X – The Teacher and Business
Every teacher has the right to do business as long as it’s not affecting his/her work. They should also maintain a good reputation with respect to financial matters.
Article XI – The Teacher as a Person
Teachers must always look up to Almighty God or Being as their guide of their own destiny. They should also live with dignity. And as a powerful role-model to the community, they must live with a very good personality and be an inspiration to people around them.
Article XII – Disciplinary Actions
Any violation of any provision of this code shall be sufficient ground for the imposition against the erring teacher of the disciplinary action consisting of revocation of his Certification of Registration and License as a Professional Teacher, suspension from the practice of teaching profession, or reprimand or cancellation of his temporary/special permit under causes specified in Sec. 23, Article III or R.A. No. 7836, and under Rule 31, Article VIII, of the Rules and Regulations Implementing R.A. 7836.
Article XIII – Effectivity
This Code shall take effect upon approval by the Professional Regulation Commission and after sixty (60) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation, whichever is earlier.