MODULE 4 – LAWS PERTAINING TO TEACHERS Lesson 6: Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers: The Preamble and Article 1 Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, students should be able to: 1. Demonstrate understanding of the importance of Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers; 2. Articulate the roles of professional teacher stipulated in every article; and 3. Apply ethical, moral principles, standards and values as professional teachers in the performance of daily endeavors 4. Discuss the Preamble and Article 1 of the Code of Ethics for Teachers in the Philippines Introduction: The Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (1966) mandated a Code of Ethics for Public School Teachers which was adopted under Section 7 of RA 4670 and which focused on responsibility, professional conduct, and integrity. With the passage of RA 7836 otherwise known as the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994, the Board for Professional Teachers of the Professional Regulation Commission passed the Resolution No. 435 s1997 promulgating and adopting the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers. This is an expanded version of the Magna Carta Code of Ethics which provides standards and guidelines on how teachers should conduct themselves inside and outside the workplace. Let us Study the Code of Ethics. Let us begin with the Preamble and Article I. Teaching is a demanding profession. As a teacher, you are expected to be equipped with the necessary technical knowledge and skills needed to become a competent facilitator and manager of learning. You are also expected to manifest personal attributes, attitudes, and values that will surely enhance your image as an effective role model. What are these personal characteristics that play a very important role in effective teaching? Many experts stress the need for the development of love, commitment, and dedication to service in order to be successful teachers. One advice they give to new teachers like you is to “teach with love”, that is, by showing genuine concern for the learners and by being patient, understanding, and persevering in your work. When you are committed to your teaching, you will strive to do your best and will not settle for poor performance. As they say, you “forget about monetary rewards” when you find “joy in teaching”. Financially, industry gives more but in terms of chances for growth, maybe not in terms of ranks but in terms of competency and knowledge acquisition, teaching is very fulfilling and satisfying.