Creating a Positive Impact: 6 Professional Ethics Every Teacher Should Follow

After parents, teachers influence a child the most and have a big part in shaping their personalities and future. So, it is important that teachers and educators lead by example and not just by words. Teachers have to be professional and ethical in their behaviour, and it is their responsibility to treat each student equally, without any preference or biases. Students learn the most from their teachers, and their learning goes beyond academics alone.

A teacher has the power to nurture a child’s thinking abilities, learning power, and social behaviour, along with teaching regular academic lessons. The professional ethics of teachers set a good example for students and ensure that the students also become professionally ethical while growing up.

Why Professional Ethics of Teachers Are Important?

If a teacher is not punctual, favours one child over others, or skips teaching a few chapters, the students are not getting a fair education, and they grow up believing it is okay to not be on time or be partial. Instead, when a teacher shows impartial behaviour in the class, teaches with their heart, and is on time, the students also learn such values.

Professional ethics for teachers are thus important, as they help build trust, ensure accountability, and create a positive learning atmosphere in the class. The professional ethics of teachers are important as:

• Creating Strong Relationships Between Parents and Schools: Teachers are an important link between the school and parents. They provide regular updates about various activities, curriculum, student progress, etc., to the parents. By keeping in touch with the parents and communicating regularly, teachers form a type of partnership with parents that benefits the school and students.
• Guiding Students on Their Rights and Duties: Teachers play an essential role in helping students understand their responsibilities and duties as members of society and future leaders. As mentors, teachers give ethical guidance to students and help students become responsible and honourable individuals.
• Respecting Rules and Regulations: As discussed above, teachers lead by example. When teachers follow the institution’s rules and regulations, they set a great example for both students and staff. This also ensures consistency, discipline, smooth functioning of the establishment, and an overall structured and harmonious environment in the school.
• Ensuring Effective Policy Implementation: All the policies, programs, and curriculum activities designed by the education board require correct and appropriate implementation. Teachers ensure that such initiatives are successfully applied in the classroom, which benefits both students and the education system in general.

Professional Ethics Teachers Have to Follow

Just like any other organisation, teachers are also required to follow a set of codes of conduct that promote a safe and inclusive learning environment. In this section, we shall discuss the professional ethics that teachers must follow in detail. These ethical principles serve as guidelines for teachers’ conduct and ensure the dignity and integrity of the teaching profession.

Teacher with Students:

• They should be well prepared for the lessons before teaching and always be on time for all school-related duties.
• Teachers must become students’ mentors for their overall development, which includes their physical, social, intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual development.
• Teachers should be completely unbiased. They should treat all students equally and with love and affection, regardless of gender, caste, religion, social status, or mother tongue.
• Teachers are supposed to be observant, notice the individual needs and aptitudes of students, and teach according to these needs.
• They should never share confidential information about any student except with those who are authorised or entitled to it.
• Teachers should never accept bribes or money for coaching or tutoring their own students unless it is for remedial training under an approved scheme.
• Teachers have to avoid inciting students against their classmates, other teachers, or the administration.
• Teachers have to set a good example for students about dressing, communication, and behaviour.
• They should ensure there is discipline in the school and respect the basic human dignity of students.

Teacher with Parents/ Guardians:

• Teachers are required to establish and maintain cordial relationships with parents/guardians and regularly inform them about the student’s achievements and shortcomings.
• Teachers are answerable to parents if a student is not performing well, and they must help the parents/guardians if they have any doubts about their child’s education.
• Teachers have to avoid doing anything that could cause students to lose faith in their parents or guardians.

Teacher with Society and the Nation:

• Teachers have to work to establish the educational institution as a centre for community and human resource development, offering information and knowledge while cultivating the abilities and mindsets required for such growth.
• Teachers should always respect the Indian culture and traditions and create a positive attitude towards it amongst students.
• They should make an effort to understand social issues and engage in activities that will help address the difficulties they cause.
• Teachers have to actively promote national unity and bring everyone together.
• They have to refrain from engaging in activities that could create hatred among various linguistic, religious, or community groups.
• Teachers have to be loyal to their school, community, and country.

Teacher with Colleagues and Profession:

• Teachers should treat other teachers and faculty members in the same way they want to be treated.
• Teachers should always strive to grow together professionally and help each other whenever required.
• All teachers have to avoid making any allegations about their co-workers without any substantial proof.
• They should always strive to evolve and participate in programs that will help them grow professionally, such as seminars, workshops, self-study, etc.
• They should never make derogatory comments about their colleagues in front of students, other teachers, or parents.

Teachers with Professional Organisations:

• Teachers should join professional organisations and treat it as a professional responsibility.
• Teachers have to operate within the [parameters and framework of the Constitution of the concerned organisation.
• They should engage in the creation of professional organisations’ policies and programs and work to enhance the organisation’s strength and unity.

Teacher with Management/ Administration:

• Teachers have to acknowledge management as the primary source of sustainable development.
• Teachers should cultivate trust and respect for one another via their work and outputs.
• Teachers should always avoid taking on other jobs or commitments that could conflict with their professional duties, such as coaching classes or private instruction.
• They must be interested in improving the institutions while maintaining the honour of the profession.

Conclusion

A teacher plays a crucial role in shaping children, and they perform various tasks during their teaching tenure. Their role is diverse, and since they work so closely with students, parents, and the school authorities, they need to be true to their professional ethics so that they can serve to their best abilities. By abiding by these professional ethics, teachers help create a morally sound and constructive learning environment. They encourage a culture of honesty, discipline, and lifelong learning and have a significant impact on the overall development of students.

Last Updated on January 23, 2025