Republic of the Philippines

CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Main Campus
M.J. Cuenco Avenue cor. R. Palma St., Cebu City
Website: http://www.ctu.edu.ph E-mail: information@ctu.ph
Tel. No. +6332 402-4060 loc 1137
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

CHAPTER 3
The Code of Ethics for
Professional Teachers

“Children don’y care what a teacher

knows unless they know the teacher
cares” -Unknown

Insert your formal 2x2 picture here

NAME: _______________________________________________________________________

CONTACT NO. ________________________________________________________________

DATE SUBMITTED: ____________________________________________________________

INTRODUCTION
Chapter 3 cis a thorough and detailed study of the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers
promulgated in 1996 by the Board for Professional Teachers of the Professional Regulation Commission.

It consists of four lessons that discuss the Preamble and Articles (I to XI) all aimed at helping
would-be professional teachers internalize the Code of Ethics.
LESSON 1: The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers: The Preamble and Article 1

Learning Outcomes
● Discuss the Preamble and Article 1 of the Code of Ethics for Teachers in the Philippines

INTRODUCTION
Let us study the Code of Ethics in detail. Let us begin with the Preamble and Article 1.

ACTIVITY: Let’s Read These

Read the Preamble and Article 1 of The Code of Ethics thoroughly, then answer the following
questions in the Analysis phase of the lesson.

PREAMBLE
Teachers are duly licensed professionals who possess dignity and reputation with high moral values as
well as technical and professional competence. In the practice of their noble profession, they strictly
adhere to, observe, and practice this set of ethical and moral principles, standard, and values.
ARTICLE 1
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

Section 1. The Philippine Constitution provides that all educational institutions shall offer quality
education for all Filipino citizens, a vision that requires professionally competent teachers committed to is
full realization. The provisions of this Code shall apply, therefore, to all teachers in all schools in the
Philippines.

Section 2. This Code covers all public and private school teachers in all educational institutions at
the preschool, primary, elementary, and secondary levels whether academic, vocational, special,
technical, or non-formal. The term “teacher” shall include industrial art or vocational teachers and all
other persons performing supervisory and/ or administrative functions in all schools at the aforesaid
levels, whether on full-time or part-time basis.

ANALYSIS: Let’s Analyze

1. Are teachers who have no license considered professional?
Answer:
2. What do technical and professional competence mean? (You may refer to the Lesson on the
Teacher as a Professional).
Answer:
3. Are private school teachers required of a license? What about pre-school teachers, vocational
teachers, ALS teachers, school heads, Education Supervisors and Schools Division
Superintendents?
Answer:

ABSTRACTION: Let’s Add to What You Know

A review of the Preamble and Article 1 tells that teachers who have no license are not included in
the group of professional teachers.

All teachers both public and private in all levels from preschool to secondary whether they are
academic, vocational, special, technical or non-formal- are included in the definition of professional
 teachers and are therefore required of a professional license and are subject to the Code of Ethics for
Professional Teachers.

APPLICATION: Let’s Apply What You Learned

By means of a graphic organizer present the various groups that are included in the word “teachers”
The Code of Ethics.

SYNAPSE STRENGTHENERS
1. Are all institutions and professors in teacher education institutions required of a license?
Research for the answer.

LESSON 2: The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers: Relationship with the
Secondary and Tertiary Stakeholders

“ It takes a whole village to raise a child.” -African Proverb

Learning Outcomes
● Explain how professional teachers should relate to the state, community and parents all
education stakeholders

A. The Teacher and the State

INTRODUCTION
The education of a child is not the sole responsibility of school heads and teachers. In fact, school
heads and teachers cannot do it by themselves. As the African proverb says, “It takes a whole village to
raise a child.” The Code of Ethics cites different groups of external stakeholders with whom schools and
teachers have to relate and work for the education of the child. These are the state (Article II), the
Community (Article III) and parents (Article IX). Secondary stakeholders indirectly receive the service.
These are the learners’ parents. Tertiary stakeholders are indirect but crucial participants in the process of
children’s education. These are the future employers, the government or the state and society in general.
(Source:DepEd Continuous Improvement—Project Learning Guide p. 26)

ACTIVITY: Let’s Discuss

Read Article II of the Code of Ethics. Then answer the questions in the ANALYSIS phase of this Lesson.

ARTICLE II
THE TEACHER AND THE STATE

Section 1. The schools are the nurseries of the citizens of the state. Each teacher is a trustee of
the cultural and educational heritage of the nation and is under obligation to transmit to learners such
heritage as well as to elevate national morality, promote national pride, cultivate love of country, instill
allegiance to the Constitution and respect for all duly constituted authorities, and promote obedience to the
laws of the state.
 Section 2. Every teacher or school official shall actively help carry out the declared policies of the
state, and shall take an oath to this effect.

Section 3. In the interest of the State of the Filipino people as much as of his own, every teacher
shall be physically, mentally and morally fit.

Section 4. Every teacher shall possess and actualize full commitment and devotion to duty.

Section 5. A teacher shall not engage in the promotion of any political, religious, or other partisan
interest, and shall not, directly, or indirectly, solicit, require, collect, or receive any money, service, other
vulnerable material from any person or entity for such purposes.

Section 6. Every teacher shall vote and shall exercise all other constitutional rights and
responsibilities.

Section 7. A teacher shall not use his position or official authority of influence to coerce any other
person to follow any political course of action.

Section 8. Every teacher shall enjoy academic freedom and shall have the privilege of sharing the
product of his researches and investigations, provided that, if the results are inimical to the declared
policies of the State, they shall be drawn to the proper authorities for appropriate remedial action.

ANALYSIS: Let’s Analyze

Article II
1. The schools are the “nurseries of the citizens of the state.” What are nurseries for? Why are
schools called the “nurseries of the citizens of the state?”
Answer:
2. “Each teacher is a trustee of the cultural and educational heritage of the nation and is under
obligation to transmit to learn such heritage.” In what ways can teachers do this?
Answer:
3. In what ways can the professional teacher help elevate national morality, promote national
pride and cultivate love of country?
Answer:
4. What steps do employers take to ensure that a teacher is physically, mentally and morally fit?
Answer:
5. Cite actions of a professional teacher that violate Section 5, Article II.
Answer:
6. How can a professional teacher violate Sec.6 and Section 7 of Article II.
Answer:
7. Every teacher shall enjoy academic freedom. What does academic freedom mean? Is this
academic freedom absolute?
Answer:

ABSTRACTION: Let’s Add to What You Already Know

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines a “nursery” as a “place where babies and young
children are cared for while their parents are somewhere else.” In horticulture, a nursery is a place where
young plants and trees are cultivated and grown.

Both definitions may apply to the statement in the Code of Ethics: “schools are the nurseries of
the citizens of the state.” Indeed, parents leave their children in schools under the care of teachers while
they work. Like nurseries where young plants are cultivated and grown, schools through teachers are
entrusted with the noble task of instilling pride in learners one’s cultural and educational heritage, love of
country and in sowing the seeds of national morality.

These are many things in our Filipino culture that we can be proud of and are therefore worth
preserving and passing on to maintain Filipino identity, promote national pride and cultivate love of country.

Every teacher is expected to be fit or else cannot perform his/ her function. Pursuant to Sec. 22
(Medical Examination and Treatment) of RA 4670 otherwise known as the Magna Carta to Public School
Teachers, teachers shall undergo annual physical examination free of charge not less than once a year
during the teacher’s professional life.

As professional, the teacher is expected not to take advantage of his/ her position or power to
promote his/ her own interest whether political nor religious, nor to solicit, require or collect any money,
service or material from any person.

As professional teacher violates Section 6 or Article II if he/ she fails to vote for no justifiable
reason. Voting is teacher’s participation in the affairs of the state.
He/ she also violates Section 7 of Article II if he/ she engages in partisan politics. Teachers have
to preserve the dignity of the education sector by not engaging directly or indirectly in electioneering except
to vote. Engaging in partisan politics is teacher’s abuse of authority.

The professional teacher shall enjoy academic freedom so he/ she can share the product of his/
her researches and investigations in support of the endless search for truth. However, this academic
freedom is not absolute. It has limits. If the research findings are damaging to the state, the research
results shall be submitted to the proper authorities for appropriate action.

APPLICATION: Let’s Apply What You Learned?

Write your answer below. What is the professional thing to do?

1. Teacher B has a brother candidate for the mayoralty race in their hometown. The brother’s opponent
has very good chance of winning and so teacher B starts secretly campaigning for his brother. Is this
professional?
Answer:

2. Explain how a professional teacher should relate to the state.

Answer:

SYNAPSE STRENGTHENERS
1. Here are survey results from the American Federation of Teachers: 78% of teachers express
overwhelming levels of stress but only 17% leave the profession within the first 5 years. Read
research(es) on mental health of Filipino teachers.
Answer:
2. Read the definition of teachers in the Education Act of 1982. Is this definition of teachers the
same with that of the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers? If not, any difference?
Answer:
B. The Teacher and the Community

INTRODUCTION
The teacher woks in, for and with the community. He/ she rubs elbows with the leaders and
members if the community who, like him/ her, aspire for the development of the young. He/ she works in
a community with its own established customs and traditions which are sometimes different from the
practices of the community where he/ she belongs.

In this part of Lesson 2, we will look at how you, as professional teacher, should relate with the
community, another group of tertiary stakeholders.

ACTIVITY: Let’s Read These

Read Article III of the Code of Ethics then do the activity as directed.

ARTICLE III
THE TEACHER AND THE COMMUNITY

Section 1. A teacher is a facilitator of learning and of the development of the youth; he shall,
therefore, render the best services by providing an environment conducive to such learning and growth.

Section 2. Every teacher shall provide leadership and initiative to actively participate in community
movements for moral, social, educational, economic and civic betterment.

Section 3. Every teacher shall merit reasonable social recognition for which purpose he shall
behave with honor and dignity at all times and refrain from such activities as gambling, smoking,
drunkenness and other excesses, much less illicit relations.

Section 4. Every teacher shall help the school keep the people in the community, and shall,
therefore, study and understand local customs and traditions in order to have a sympathetic attitude,
therefore, refrain from disparaging the community.

Section 5. Every teacher shall help the school keep the people in the community informed about
the school’s work and accomplishments as well as its needs and problems.

Section 6. Every teacher is an intellectual leader in the community, especially in the barangay, and
shall welcome the opportunity to provide such leadership when needed, to extend counseling services,
as appropriate, and to actively be involved in matters affecting the welfare of the people.

Section 7. Every teacher shall maintain harmonious and pleasant personal and official relations
with other professionals, with government officials, and with the people, individually or collectively.

Section 8. A teacher possesses freedom to attend church and worship as appropriate, but shall
not use his position and influence to proselyte others.

Below are key words which you have to locate in Article III of the Code of Ethics. Find them and
read that section that contains the word/ words again. Be ready to answer the questions in the Analysis
phase of this Lesson.
 not use
conducive
facilitator leadership position to
environment
proselyte

harmonious disparaging
social community
official the
recognition informed
relations community

ANALYSIS: Let’s Analyze

Explain in your own words how a teacher should relate to a tertiary stakeholder, the community,
by using the keywords encircled.

Answer: _________________________________________________________________________

ABSTRACTION: Let’s Add to What You Know

As a professional teacher, he/ she is a facilitator of learning by ensuring that he/ she provides a
favorable environment for learning. He/ she acts as a leader by initiating and participating in community
activities for the benefit of community members and the community as a whole. As a community leader
he/ she deals with other professionals and community officials harmoniously and professionally. Because
he/ she wants to work with the community, he/ she keeps people informed of developments in school.
He/ she does not take advantage of his/ her position as a professional teacher to proselyte. Neither does
he/ she criticize community customs and traditions. Instead, he/ she exerts efforts to understand them
with a sympathetic attitude. Above all, to be a credible community leader he/ she earns the respect of
community by behaving with dignity at all times and so will not engage in vices such as gambling,
smoking, drunkenness, and illicit relations.

SYNAPSE STRENGTHENERS
1. Schools have School Report Cards as a means by which professional teachers keep communities
informed of school development. Research for a sample of a School Report Card, take/ grab a picture
and attach it here.

2. Every school has a School Governing Council. What is this Council about? How different is this from
the Parents and Teachers Association? Explain your answer.

C. The Teacher and the Parents

INTRODUCTION
Parents are secondary stakeholders while their children (learners) are primary stakeholders. How
should teachers relate with parents is the concern of this third part of Lesson 2.

ACTIVITY: Let’s Do These

 1. Read Article IX of the Code of Ethics.
ARTICLE IX
THE TEACHER AND PARENTS

Section 1. A teacher shall establish and maintain cordial relations with parents, and shall conduct
himself to merit their confidence and respect.

Section 2. A teacher shall inform parents through proper authorities, of the progress or deficiencies
of learners under him, exercising utmost candor and tact in pointing out learners’ deficiencies and in
seeking parent’s cooperation for the proper guidance and improvement of learners.

Section 3. A teacher shall hear parent’s complaints with sympathy and understanding, and shall
discourage unfair criticism.

2. View How to: A Teacher’s Guide to Parent Teacher Conferences at YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCwC9-z-f_A

ANALYSIS: Let’s Analyze

Do you agree with everything that was shared in the video? If yes, give at least 2. If not, state that
or those that you do not agree with and explain why you do not agree?
Answer:

ABSTRACTION: Let’s Add to What You Know

Teacher needs to connect with parents, his/ her partners in the education of the learner. For the
partnership to flourish, teacher shall maintain cordial relations with parents. This relationship remains
cordial if a teacher is sincere and tactful in reporting child’s progress.

APPLICATION: Let’s Apply What You Learned

State 5 DO’s and 5 DON’Ts on how you should relate to parents for the sake of the learners. Make
sure your DO’s and DON’Ts are concrete. E.g. Make sure you have a box of facial tissue with you for
parents who become emotional.

FILL THIS IN 😊
5 DO’S 5 DON’Ts
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.

SYNAPSE STRENGHTHENERS
1. Research on “helicopter” parents. What is meant by “helicopter” parents? How should you relate to
them? Explain your answer
2. What does special parental authority imply? Explain your answer

LESSON 3: The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers: Relationship with the
Internal Stakeholders
 “ When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it’s our job to
share our calm, not to join their chaos.” -L.R. Knost
Learning Outcomes
● Explain how the professional teacher should relate to the learners, the teaching community and
higher authorities.

A. The Teacher and the Learners

INTRODUCTION
The learners are our primary internal stakeholders. They have no choice over the kind of teacher
given them. Fortunate are the learners who are in the classes of professional caring teachers. Unfortunate
are those whose teachers are a contrast of the caring and compassionate teachers.

The foci of this lesson are Article V, Article VI and Article VIII.
ACTIVITY: Let’s Do This
1. How do you want your teacher/s to be? What are your WISHES for your Teacher/s (in general)?
Write them down.

2. Read Article VIII, The Teacher and The Learners of the Code of Ethics. Find out if your wishes for
your teacher are also those mentioned in Article VIII.
 ARTICLE VIII
THE TEACHER AND THE LEARNERS

Section 1. A teacher has the right and duty to determine the academic marks and the promotion of
learners in the subjects they handle. Such determination shall be in accordance with generally accepted
producers of evaluation and measurement. In case of any complaint, teachers concerned shall
immediately take appropriate action, observing the process.

Section 2. 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.

Section 3. Under no circumstance shall a teacher be prejudiced nor discriminatory against any
learner.

Section 4. A teacher shall not accept favors or gifts from learners, their parents or others in their
behalf in exchange for requested concessions, especially if under served.

Section 5. A teacher shall not accept, directly or indirectly, any remuneration from tutorials other
than what is authorized for such service.

Section 6. A teacher shall base the evaluation of the learner’s work on merit and quality of
academic performance.

Section 7. 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.

Section 8. A teacher shall not inflict corporal punishment on offending learners nor make
deductions from their scholastic ratings as a punishment for acts which are clearly not manifestations of
poor scholarship.

Section 9. A teacher shall insure that conditions contributive to the maximum development of
learners are adequate, and shall extend needed assistance in preventing or solving learner’s problems
and difficulties.

ACTIVITY: In a videoclip, recite the Article VIII- The Teacher and The Learners then attach your link
here:_______________________________________________

ABSTRACTION: Let’s Add to What You Know

Perhaps the teacher’s traits that are wished by most can be summed up in the words “Caring,”
“Compassionate” and “Fair.” Article VII, The Teacher and Learner” of the Code of Ethics describes the
professional teacher to be such. Fair because he/ she “bases the evaluation of the learners work on merit
and quality of academic performance,” shall not “make deductions from learners such scholastic ratings,
as primary scholastic” and “determine academic marks… in accordance with generally accepted
procedures of evaluation and measurements” and shall handle each learner justly and impartially.

Should love develop between teacher and student, the professional teacher is expected to be fair
because he/ she shall “exercise utmost professional discretion to avoid… preferential treatment of the
 learner.” Teacher fairness is assured when a teacher does not accept favor or gifts from learner or their
parents in exchange for requested concessions.

Th e professional teacher is likewise described as “caring and compassionate.” Article VIII, points
out that the professional teacher has the “interest and welfare of learners” as his/ her “first and foremost
concern” and “under no circumstance shall a teacher be prejudiced nor discriminatory against any
learner.” The professional teacher is also seen to be caring and compassionate when he/ she does not
inflict corporal punishment on offending learners.”

SYNAPSE STRENGHTENERS
View “Every Kid Needs a Champion by Rita Pierson, TED Talks Education
https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs a champion.

Based on the video, share your thoughts below on how should a teacher relate to learners to make
a difference. Explain your answer:

B. The Teacher and the Teaching Community

INTRODUCTION
The professional teacher is not an island. He/she works with other professional teachers, some
more or less experienced than he/ she is. Colleagues are teachers, partners and collaborators. How
teacher relates to his/ her colleagues in the teaching profession determines if they become one’s greatest
allies and supporters or one’s greatest enemies.

ACTIVITY: Let’s Do These

1. Read Article V, The Teacher and the Teaching Community.

ARTICLE V
THE TEACHER AND THE TEACHING COMMUNITY

Section 1. Teachers shall, at all times, be imbued with the spirit of professional loyalty, mutual
confidence, and 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.

Section 2. A teacher is not entitled to claim for work not of his own, and shall give due credit for the
work of others which he may use.

Section 3. Before leaving his position, a teacher shall organize and leave to his successor such
records and other data as are necessary to carry on the work.

Section 4. A teacher shall hold inviolate all confidential information concerning associates and the
school, and shall not divulge to anyone documents which have not yet been officially released, or remove
records from the files without official permission.

Section 5. It shall be the responsibility of every teacher to seek correctives for what may appear to
be an unprofessional and unethical conduct of any associate. This may be done only if there is
incontrovertible evidence for such conduct.

Section 6. A teacher may submit to the proper authorities any justifiable criticism against an
associate, preferably in writing, without violating any right of the individual concerned.
 Section 7. A teacher may apply for a vacant position for which he is qualified, provided that he
respects the system of selection on the basis of merit and competence, provided, further, that all qualified
candidates are given the opportunity to be considered.

2. Study the figures below and state what each figure is saying about how a teacher should relate to
his/ her fellow teachers.

Totoo naman a! Hindi ito tsismis.

TURN-OVER CEREMONY
Ceremony- Yes!???
Organized Records for
Successor- NO!???

ANALYSIS: Let’s Analyze

Discuss what each figure is saying regarding how a teacher should relate to the teaching
community based on Article V. Share your thoughts below:

ABSTRACTION: Let’s Add to What You Know

A professional teacher should work in collaboration with his/ her fellow teachers. Gossip destroys
collegial relationships. It has no place in a professional community. A brotherly / sisterly correction for
 what may appear to be unprofessional and unethical conduct of an associate is an act that is becoming
of a professional.

Should there be justifiable criticism against a fellow teacher, the right recourse is to submit to
proper authorities any justifiable criticism.

It is unprofessional for a teacher to apply for a position for which he is not qualified. Professionalism
demands that selection is based on merit and competence. It is likewise unprofessional to divulge
confidential information concerning associates and the school.

Give credit to whom credit is due. A professional teacher will not claim credit for work not of his/ her
own.

In order not to jeopardize office operation or work, a teacher before leaving position, shall organize
records for his/ her successor. Many a time a turn-over ceremony is well done but up to ceremony only
because records are not organized and so hampers the continuity of operation.

In short, at all times, professional teachers shall be loyal to and trust and support one another for
the common good.

APPLICATION: Let’s Apply What You Learned

Compose a rap or song on how professional teachers should relate to one another to form a
genuine teaching community. Make sure the song is based on Article V. Record your performance via
YouTube then attach your link here: __________________________________________

SYNAPSE STRENGTHENERS
1. Will filing a justified complaint against a fellow teacher do well for a community of professional
teachers? If you were the one intending to file a complaint, would you do so? Explain your answer
2. Which Filipino trait makes it difficult sometimes for professional teachers to function as a collegial
community? Explain your answer

C. The Teacher and Higher Authorities

INTRODUCTION
In addition to colleagues in the teaching profession, professional teachers also relate to higher
authorities who are his/ her school heads, Supervisors and School Division Superintendent, etc... How
should he/ she relate to them professionally is the concern of this third part of Lesson 3.

ARTICLE VI
THE TEACHER AND HIGHER AUTHORITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Section 1. A teacher shall make it his duty to make an honest effort to understand and support the
legitimate policies of the school and the administration regardless of professional feeling or private
opinion and shall faithfully carry them out.

Section 2. A teacher shall not make any false accusation or charges against superiors, especially
under anonymity. However, if there are valid charges, he should present such under oath to competent
authority.
 Section 3. A teacher shall transact all official business through channels except when special
conditions warrant a different procedure, such as when reforms are advocated but are opposed by the
immediate superior, in which case the teachers shall appeal directly to the appropriate higher authority.

Section 4. A teacher, individually or as part of a group, has a right to seek redress against injustice
and discrimination and, to the extent possible, shall raise his grievances within democratic processes. In
doing so, he shall avoid jeopardizing the interest and welfare of learners whose right to learn must be
respected.

Section 5. A teacher has a right to invoke the principle that appointments, promotions, and
transfers of teachers are made only on the basis of merit and need in the interest of the service.

Section 6. A teacher who accepts a position assumes a contractual obligation to live up to his
contract, assuming full knowledge of the employment terms and conditions.

ABSTRACTION: Let’s Add to What You Know

It is unprofessional for a teacher to campaign against legitimate policies of the school and
administration with which he/ she disagrees. In contrast the professional thing to do is to support the
legitimate policies even though as a professional teacher one is personally against it. One must exert
effort to understand the wisdom of the policies of the administration. In the first place they may not have
become policies if they are not for the good of teachers.

It is likewise unprofessional to file charges against superiors under cover of anonymity. If there is
truth in the charges filed against superiors, one should not be afraid to come into the open. “The truth
shall set you free.”

To transact official business through proper channels is the professional and ethical thing to do.
There are exceptions, however. When the reforms advocated are opposed by the immediate superior,
the teacher shall appeal directly to the proper higher authority.

To go on strike is not professional. True, professional teachers have a right to seek redress against
injustice or discrimination but should do it in a manner that does not jeopardize the welfare of learners
whose right to learn must be respected. Teachers going on strike adversely affects learners.

Appointments, promotions are based only on merit and need in the interest of service in the
profession. Likewise, transfer or professional teachers is done on the basis of merit and need. Transfer of
a teacher made because of school head’s prejudice towards the teacher is unprofessional.

SYNAPSE STRENGHTENERS
Research on the steps a professional teacher should take if she decides to raise his grievances
against his superior. Share your findings here and include its reference.

LESSON 4: The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers:

His/ Her Person, Profession and Business
 “ One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the worl.”
Learning Outcomes
● Explain how a professional teacher should conduct himself/ herself as a person, in the teaching
profession and in business

A. The Teacher and the Profession

INTRODUCTION
After discussing how a professional teacher relates with primary stakeholders (the learners), with
secondary stakeholders (the parents), with external stakeholders such as the state and the community
and other internal stakeholders such as the teaching community and school officials (higher authorities)
let us now see how the professional teacher should conduct himself/ herself as a person in the teaching
profession and in business.

ACTIVITY: Let’s Do These

1. Read Article IV, The Teacher and the Profession, in the Code of Ethics, then do #2.

ARTICLE IV
THE TEACHER AND THE PROFESSION

Section 1. Every teacher shall actively help ensure that teaching is the noblest profession, and
shall manifest genuine enthusiasm and pride in teaching as a noble calling.

Section 2. Every teacher shall uphold the highest possible standards of quality education, shall
make the best preparation for the career of teaching, and shall be at his best at all times in the practice of
his profession.

Section 3. Every teacher shall participate in the continuing professional education (CPE) program
of the Professional Regulation Commission, and shall pursue such other studies as will improve his
efficiency, enhance the prestige of the profession, and strengthen his competence, virtues, and
productivity in order to be nationally and internationally competitive.

Section 4. Every teacher shall help, if duly authorized, to seek support for the school, but shall not
make improper misinterpretations through personal advertisements and other questionable means.

Section 5. Every teacher shall use the teaching profession in a manner that makes it a dignifies
means for earning a decent living.

2. Here are quotes on the teaching profession.

I wish I could persuade every teacher, to be proud of his occupation – not conceited or
pompous, but proud. People who introduce themselves with the shame remark that
they are “just teachers” gives despair in my heart. Did you ever hear a lawyer say
depreciatingly that he was only a patent attorney? Did you ever hear a physician say “I
am just a brain surgeon?” I beg of you to stop apologizing for being a member of the
 anybody squarely in the eye and say, “I am a Teacher.” - Will

“Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good better and your better is
best.” – Tim Duncan

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning
from failure.” – Colin Powell

“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” – Bobby Unser

“Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity goes with the ability
to say no to oneself.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel

“There are two kinds of pride both good and bad. Good pride represents our dignity
and self- respect. Bad pride is the deadly sin of superiority that reeks of conceit and
arrogance.” – John C. Maxwell

ANALYSIS: Let’s Analyze

What does each quotation mean? To which section of Article IV of the Code of Ethics does each
quote relate? Explain your answer.
QUOTATION MEANING SECTION OF ARTICLE IV OF C.O.E
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

APPLICATION: Let’s Apply What You Learned

In a videoclip, convince the viewers that teaching is the noblest profession and being so deserves
the best preparation and the best candidates.
Attach your link here : _________________________________________________
B. The Teacher as a Person
INTRODUCTION
Article XI, the teacher as a person, is the focus of this second part of Lesson 4. You may want to
re-read the lesson on “The Demands of Society from Teacher as a Person in Chapter 2 Lesson 2 How
does the professional teacher carry herself/ himself as a person?”

ACTIVITY: Let’s Do These

Read Article XI of The Code of Ethics then answer the following questions:
1. What is the big challenge for a teacher?
2. Are you ready to face the challenge?

ARTICLE XI
THE TEACHER AS A PERSON
Section 1. A teacher shall live with dignity in all places at all times.

Section 2. A teacher shall place premium upon self- respect and self- discipline as the principle of
personal behavior in all relationships with others and in all situations.

Section 3. A teacher shall maintain at all times a dignified personality which could serve as model
worthy of emulation by learners, peers, and others.

Section 4. A teacher hall always recognize the Almighty God or Being as guide of his own destiny
and of the destinies of men and nations.

ANALYSIS: Let’s Analyze

There are more women than men in the teaching profession. Does this indicate that less men are
able to face the challenge of the teaching profession? Discuss your answer.

ABTRACTION: Let’s Add to What You Know

So much is demanded of the teacher as a person. He/ She is looked up to as model and therefore
must walk her talk or ends up like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. This is a big challenge. His/ her
highest obligation is to live with dignity in all places at all times, so 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 31 days
a month, 365 or 366 days a year. He/ she will never regret if he/ she has made self-respect and self-
discipline as the governing principle in his/ her relationships with all people in all situations. With the
Almighty God at the center of his/ her life, the professional teacher will be resolute in his/ her intent to
maintain a dignified personality and so can serve as a model for learners, peers and all others.

The Code of Professional Conduct for Public School Teachers cited in Section 7 of RA 4670 puts it
succinctly:

INTEGRITY: Since the teacher’s work is not confined merely to the development of certain fundamental skills
and abilities encompassed by the teaching of the 3Rs but also includes the development of desirable habits and
attitudes that go into the formation of character, his manner of living should provide a worthy example for his pupils
and students to emulate, for his fellow teachers to be proud of and for the community to feel as being enriched by it.

APPLICATION: Let’s Apply What You Learned

Describe the teacher as a person based on Article XI of the Code of Ethics by way of a cinquain—
is a five-line poem composed of:

Line 1 – one word

Line 2 – 2 adjectives that describe Line 1
 Line 3 – 3 action words that relate to Line 1
Line 4 – 4 words (feelings) that relate to Line 1 or a complete sentence
Line 5 – 1 word, a synonym of Line 1 or a word that sums it up

Here is an example:

Teacher.

Caring, compassionate

Questioning, listening, responding

I love her dearly.

Idol.

INSERT YOUR COMPOSSION BELOW

C. Article X – The Teacher and Business

INTRODUCTION
While the salaries of teachers in the Philippines are still lower compared to other ASEAN member-
states, teachers’ salaries considerably increased after EDSA 1. But despite these significant salary
increases, teachers tend to over borrow or engage in business to eke out income. This part of Lesson 4
is focused on the teacher and his/ her involvement in business.

ACTIVITY: Let’s Do These

1. Read Article X of the Code of Ethics given below.
 ARTICLE X
THE TEACHER AND BUSINESS
Section 1. A teacher has a right to engage, directly or indirectly, in legitimate income generation,
provided that it does not relate to or adversely affect his work.

Section 2. A teacher shall maintain a good reputation with respect to financial matters such as in the
settlement of his just debts, loans and other financial affairs.

Section 3. No teacher shall act, directly or indirectly, as agent of, or be financially interested in, any
commercial venture which furnish textbooks and other school commodities int eh purchase and
disposal of which eh can exercise official influence, except only when his assignment is inherently
related to such purchase and disposal, provided that such shall be in accordance with existing
regulations.

2. Consider the findings of the study on teacher’s borrowing as shared by DepEd Secretary Leonor
Briones:
1. The propensity of public school teachers to borrow is 50% higher compared to other employees
of the government such as the police and nurses.
2. Aside from the possibility of not receiving any pay once they retire, public school teachers may
also suffer sanctions- from mere reprimand to revocation of licenses to teach – due to their
unpaid loans. There are more than 500 pending cases versus teachers filed by various lending
institutions in the past 3 years. (Source: Merlinda Hernando- Malipot, Why Public School Teacher Tend
to Borrow. Oct 31, 2017 – https://news, mb.com.ph)
3. Teachers owe Php 70 billion from legitimate leading insitutions. (DepEd Sec. Leonor Briones,
https://www.sunstar.com.ph)

ANALYSIS: Let’s Analyze

Answer the following questions:
1. With teachers’ borrowing habits, which Section of Article X do teachers fail to observe? Answer:
2. When do professional teachers violate Section 3 of Article X? Answer:

ABSTRACTION: Let’s Add to What You Know

“Man does not live by bread alone,” says the Bible. Understandably, the professional teacher needs
money to satisfy his/ her bodily need. Article X, Sec. 1 of the Code of Ethics allows the teacher to
“engage in legitimate income generation provided that it does not relate to or adversely affect his work or
a teacher.”

No teacher shall act, directly or indirectly, as agent of, or be financially interested in any commercial venture
which furnish textbooks and other school commercial commodities in the purchase and disposal of which he can
exercise official influence, except only when his assignment is inherently related to such purchase and disposal,
provided that such shall be in accordance with existing regulations.

As said in the previous lessons, the teacher should live with dignity at all times and at all places and
be a model for all. So a teacher must … “ maintain a good reputation with respect to financial matters
such as in the settlement of his debts and loans in arranging satisfactorily his private financial affair.”

If teachers live by the principles of self-respect and self- discipline as cited in the Code of ethics, there will
be no problem on teacher indebtedness and teachers’ unfavorable reputation of not paying their debts. If
a teacher lives simply, he/ she will not be that indebted. To live simply, the professional teacher must
distinguish between his needs and wants.
APPLICATION: Let’s Apply What You Learned
To counter teachers’ problem of indebtedness, cite proverbs (in Mother Tongue, highly encouraged –
pwede sad Bisaya) that can serve as reminders for professional teachers not to live beyond their means.
Explain each and relate it to Article X of the Code of Ethics.
 e. g. Hangga’t makitid and kumot, matutong mamaluktot.
“Debt is a heavy burden to an honest mind, but thievish borrowers make light of it.”
“Spending is quick, earning is slow.”

Answer:

SYNAPSE STRENGTHENERS
Books go with teaching and learning. Books go with teachers and students but why is it unethical for
teachers to supply books in school? Explain your answer.