Comparative Studyof Teachers' Awareness and Actual Performance of Their Duties and Responsibilities Based on the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

It may sound a cliche, but really, teaching is a noble profession. The statement is always said but devoid of its true meaning. Teachers may be aware of their duties and responsibilities but don't actually practice it. As stated in the Preamble of the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers, "Teachers are duly licensed professionals who possess dignity and reputation strictly adhering to observe and practice this set of ethical and moral principles, standards and values." This paper aims to evaluate if teachers are performing their responsibilities based on the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers as guiding principles of all teachers in the country.

 METHODS

The descriptive method of research was used to compare teachers' awareness and actual practice of their responsibilities through survey questionnaire as an instrument in the form of a survey-checklist. The survey was conducted to 30 teachers who have been in the teaching profession for more than ten years, comprising 30% of the total teaching population of 99. They were those who have longer teaching experience who can compare the present professional attitude of teachers ten years back or more. The questionnaire consists of two parts: Part 1 consists of ten (10) indicators taken from the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers, and Part 2 consists of another ten (10) questions where the indicators in Part 1 were contextualized.

RESULTS

Based on the data gathered, the study reveals that teachers are observed to be most aware of the seven out of ten duties and responsibilities expected of professional teachers. However, it also reveals that the three least aware are also most unlikely to be translated. Meaning, there is a worse-than-expected performance of these responsibilities. In other words, the likelihood that a teacher will actually perform these responsibilities is lower than the likelihood that teachers are aware of. These responsibilities reflect dignity, professionalism, and a role model image.

DISCUSSIONS

Teachers are aware of their duties and responsibilities but there are also certain responsibilities which they choose to ignore such as living with dignity, possessing self-discipline, and maintaining an image worthy of emulation. There is a discrepancy in the results of the tests because although teachers are observed to be performing their duties and responsibilities, there are some indicators which show that the probability of success of the least practiced awareness is very low.