SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE TEACHERS:

MORAL & ETHICAL

CODE OF ETHICS
Introduction
Teaching is a human and moral relationship. It involves interaction
between and among pupils, parents, colleagues, and school officials.
Teachers must develop awareness and sensitivity to the Code of
Ethics which underpins the standards of conduct in the profession.
The role of the teachers is to educate. They create and control the
learning process. They encourage participation and interaction of
students in the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and values needed to
prepare them for their roles in society.
Ethics, Morals and Morality
Ethics - refers to a system of principles of conduct
that guide the behaviour of a person is concerned
with individual character like being a good person.
It is also concerned with character of an entire
society, culture or profession.
Ethics, Morals and Morality
Morals are values related to a system of beliefs
religious system, business or political system. These
values get their authority from outside or higher
authority. Moral values include honesty, integrity,
compassion, courage, honor, responsibility,
patriotism, respect and fairness.
Ethics, Morals and Morality
Morality refers to a subset of ethical rules of special importance. It is guide to behaviour for
individuals who want to govern the behaviour of others. Moral rules are often the basis for the
rules of the society. These are expected to be obeyed by all its members.

Ethics and Morality studies the good and bad of human behaviour, thoughts and feelings.

Ethics is about actions and decisions. A person acts in accordance with his values. A person
who behaves according to the core values he upholds, is said to be acting etically.
 Morality maybe divided into three (3)
stages:
Morality of Self-Interest is characterized by doing the act or the behaviour to gain rewards or
avoid punishment. In others words, it is the reward or punishment consequences that guides
peoples action.
Morality of Law and Social Rules apply when the action or behaviour of the individual is
determined by the rule and authority, meaning peoples action are motivated by obedience and
respect for law. They also aim to gain approval and avoid disapproval of the behaviour.
Morality of Abstract Principles are exhibited by people who assume personal responsibility in
their behaviour. People who have reached this level no longer aim for approval or disapproval of
their action. Their behaviour is guided by their ethical principles and moral values.
 Why They Continue Teaching
1. Teaching is an honourable calling and teachers are well respected by all.
2. It is accepted as a mission which entails patience, sacrifices, and hard work.
3. Teaching is only for those who love children.
4. It is self-fulfilling. It brings e of one with enormous joy and satisfaction.
5. It is anchored on ones supreme desire to serve others.
6. Teaching is a profession of one with high moral standards.
7. Teaching aims at molding the childrens minds and hearts.
8. It is the easiest way to get employed since the population of school children increases every year.
9. Teaching is a means to continue learning, thus gain more knowledge and grow in the profession.
10. Teaching makes one grow intellectually, socially and emotionally.
Why They Left Teaching?
1. The salary for teaching is very low. It cannot compare equally with other jobs requiring four
years of study.
2. The daily tasks are too time-consuming, especially the preparations for the learning activities
and other school routine.
3. Teachers have to deal with multi-personalities students, administrators, co-teachers,
parents and other members of the school and the community.
4. The profession is not regarded as prestigious as others, like medicine and law.
5. Those who go into teaching are the not-so-bright member of the family.
6. Men are not attracted easily to an all-knowing teacher who is always ready to give
unsolicited advice and suggestions like a sage.
Why They Left Teaching?
7. Because of the demanding nature of teaching, the obnoxious habit of ordering others to do
things all the time is developed.
8. Oftentimes overworked, teachers forget to smile and be pleasant, hence labelled cranky and
ill-humoured.
9. Teachers are kept in the school most of the day and have less time to socialize. Many of them
end up old maids.
10. Teaching children makes teachers growth stagnant due to their daily associations and
interactions which are characteristically of lower ability level.