Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers

Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers

• Teachers are licensed professionals with high moral values and technical competence.
• They uphold ethical and moral principles, standards, and values in their profession.

Scope and Limitations

• The Philippine Constitution mandates quality education for all Filipino citizens.
• The Code applies to all teachers in all Philippine schools (public and private).
• The Code covers all levels (preschool, primary, elementary, secondary, technical, vocational, special, and non-formal).
• The term "teacher" includes all individuals performing supervisory or administrative functions at those levels, regardless of their employment status (full-time or part-time).
• Teachers without licensure are not considered professional teachers.

The Teacher and The State

• Schools are considered nurseries for national citizens.
• Teachers are trustees of cultural and educational heritage.
• Teachers must transmit national heritage, elevate morality, foster national pride, cultivate patriotism, promote allegiance to the constitution and respect for constituted authorities.
• Every teacher and school official must actively carry out the declared policies and take an oath to that effect.
• Teachers must be physically, mentally, and morally fit to serve the Filipino people and the state.
• A teacher must not work toward any political or religious interest, nor solicit financial support.
• Teachers are expected to abide by the law.
• Teachers will exercise academic freedom, sharing research findings. However, findings inimical to state policies must be directed to the correct authorities.
• To uphold a professional standard, teachers must not use their position or authority to compel others to believe in or perform any political or personal activity.

The Teacher and The Community

• Teachers are facilitators of learning and development of youth.
• Teachers should foster a learning environment conducive to students' growth.
• Teachers are expected to show leadership within the community in initiatives for betterment (moral, social, educational, economic, and civic).
• Teachers should maintain an acceptable social conduct, demonstrating honor and dignity.
• Teachers should refrain from activities such as gambling, smoking, drinking, other excessive behaviors.
• Teachers must not have illicit relationships.
• Teachers must work to build strong relationships with the community (local customs, traditions) and refrain from disparaging remarks. They should also keep the community informed about the school's work and achievements.
• Teachers should act as intellectual and community leaders—providing leadership and support when needed, including counseling if necessary.
• Teachers should maintain harmonious and pleasant relationships with colleagues, community members, and school officials.
• Teachers have freedom to worship but cannot proselytize others.

The Teacher and Parents

• Teachers must maintain cordial relationships with parents, which merits their confidence and respect.
• Teachers must communicate with parents about student progress and deficiencies clearly and tactfully, seeking cooperation in student guidance and improvement.
• Teachers must listen to parents' complaints with sympathy and understanding, discouraging unfair criticism.
• Teachers must prioritize positive relationships with parents for the benefit of student success.

The Teacher and the Teaching Community

• Teachers must maintain professional loyalty, mutual confidence, self-sacrifice, and cooperation, supporting colleagues when the profession is at stake.
• Teachers must not claim work that belongs to others. They must give credit to whom credit is due.
• Before leaving a position, a teacher must organize records, leaving necessary information for their successor, and ensuring continuity of work.
• Teachers must hold all confidential information concerning associates and the school in high regard, avoiding disclosure or removal without authorization.
• Teachers are responsible for correcting unprofessional or unethical behavior of colleagues, only if there is clear evidence. Teachers should submit appropriate complaints using the correct channels (preferably written).
• A teacher can apply for vacancies based on merit and competence for the position. It is unprofessional to seek a position for which a teacher is not qualified; Likewise, divulging confidential information is unprofessional.

The Teacher and Higher Authorities

• Teachers must support legitimate policies of the school and administration and faithfully carry them out.
• Teachers must not falsely accuse officials; complaints must be submitted under oath to the proper authorities.
• Teachers must deal with issues and concerns using approved channels, except when legitimate reforms are opposed.
• Teachers may appeal to higher authorities about injustice and discrimination, but must do so in a way that does not jeopardize the students. Going on strike is not accepted by the Code of Ethics.
• Appointments, promotions, and transfers of teachers are based on merit and need for the interest of service; transfers based on prejudices or impropriety are unprofessional.

School Officials, Teachers, and Other Personnel

• School officials must show professional courtesy towards teachers and other staff members.
• School officials are responsible for creating a nurturing and supportive environment which encourages professional growth for teachers.
• Officials are responsible for supporting teachers and helping them achieve successful professional development.
• No school official can dismiss a teacher without valid cause.
• Educational policies must be crafted in collaboration with relevant school stakeholders.
• Schools must ensure teachers and other staff adhere to the appropriate training and licensure standards.

The Teacher and Learners

• Teachers determine academic marks and learner's academic promotion in accordance with established evaluation methods.
• Teachers must treat learners justly and impartially and not discriminate against any learner.
• Teachers must prioritize learners' well-being, and not accept personal favors, gifts or concessions from learners or families.
• Teachers shall not accept unauthorized remuneration or extra payments for tutorial services.
• Teachers must not use corporal punishment or deductions from grades to discipline students for non-academic issues.
• Teachers must assist learners in addressing problems and difficulties related to the educational process.

The Teacher and Business

• Teachers can generate legitimate financial income outside of teaching, but it cannot interfere with their duties.
• Teachers must maintain good reputation concerning personal financial affairs.
• Teachers may not act as agents, or have financial interest in school commodity ventures whenever their position can influence matters of purchase, sale or distribution. Decisions must reflect legal and acceptable standards.

The Teacher as a Person

• Teachers must uphold dignity and live with high regard in all aspects of life.
• Teachers must always maintain self-respect, self-discipline, and high regard for their conduct.
• Teachers are expected to be worthy models for peers and others.
• Teachers should always maintain high moral standards.

Disciplinary Actions

• Violations of the Code of Ethics can result in disciplinary actions, such as revocation of license, suspension, reprimand, or cancellation of teaching permit.