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Mindy Rudiger

Code of Ethics Assignment


Portfolio Entry #9
August 2016
Philippines Code of Ethics
Just across the Pacific Ocean to our west, the island country of the Philippines is
located. It is clear that there are many cultural differences between the Philippines and the
United States, but when it comes to ethical behavior required of their teachers, similarities are
evident, as well as many differences. Teachers in the Philippines are held to a positive, noble
standard to help make the country the best it can be.
In 1994, the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers was adopted by the Board of
Professional Teachers in the Philippines. This document was created by the Faculty Manual
Task Force, which consisted of seven individuals during the creation of the first edition, and six
individuals when the edition was later revised. The primary purpose of the organization to create
this code of ethics was to hold teachers to a high standard that requires them to devote
themselves to the future of the country through education that promotes national pride. This
purpose is shown throughout the code. For example, in article two, section one the code states,
...teacher is a trustee of cultural and educational heritage of the nation and is under obligation
to promote national pride, cultivate love of country Continuing in article three, section two,
teachers are required to show leadership to promote participation in the community in order to
make it a better place. In fact, the purpose of requiring teachers to create commitment to the
world around them is so important that there are two of the 13 articles created to do so: The
Teacher and the State, the Teacher and the Community.
Overall, I like many things about the Code of Ethics in the Philippines. It gives off a
positive, detailed description of expectations, as opposed to the scolding tone, and vague

details in the NEA Code of Ethics. Specifically, one of the many things I like about the
Philippines Code of Ethics is the word choice. Words like enjoy academic freedom, and
privilege of teaching creates a sense of pride in the profession. A pride that can be felt by
everyone around, giving teachers an importance within the community. Also, I like how the
Philippines Code of Ethics requires co-workers to utilize cooperation with one another.
Unfortunately, schools often see teachers who struggle to work together, or use teaching as a
negative competition against one another. The Philippines require their teachers to have a
harmonious and pleasant relationship with one another. Article five, section one continues to
emphasize the importance of working with colleagues by using phrases like, in any
controversy, teachers shall support one another, faith in one another, and full cooperation
with colleagues. If every school was full of teachers that were able to fulfill the expectations of
the Philippines, imagine the cooperation and enjoyment with the adults, and how that would
positively impact student success.
Continuing, I truly enjoy how the Philippines Code of Ethics states the expectations of a
teachers relationship with administration, as well as parents. Article six states the expectations
of teachers in working with administration. It is required of teachers to make an honest effort to
understand and support ideas of the administration. A school that has true support of their
leaders is one that is more willing to work together as one. I feel this expectation also creates a
sense of respect throughout the school. If teachers expect respect from students, teachers
should expect themselves to respect administration by trusting their decisions. Article nine
continues with detailed expectations of teachers working with parents. I love how this aspect of
learning is included, because a childs success depends on a positive relationship between
home and school. Finally, I like how the Philippines Code of Ethics creates in teachers a true
feeling of self-worth and value. For one, the code includes an entire article, article eleven titled

The Teacher as a Person, devoted to creating in teachers a feeling of value and importance, as
opposed to just an employee within the business of a school. Also article four, section one,
stands out as a wow statement in creating worth in the profession of being an educator. The
article states, every teacher shall actively insure that teaching is the noblest profession, and
shall manifest genuine enthusiasm and pride in teacher as a noble calling. What powerful
words that create trust in the profession of teaching! With this a feeling of self-worth is created
within teachers, which leads to increased enjoyment and dedication to their job, with the end
result of increased student achievement.
The positive aspects of the Philippines Code of Ethics outweigh the dislikes. The
greatest dislike I see within the code is the pressure put on teachers in their lives outside the
school day. Article three, section three states that teachers must behave with honor and dignity
at all times. I see this as teachers are always on the job, and makes it difficult for a teacher to
have a life outside of their job. I understand the importance of professionalism within the noble
job of teaching, but cant teachers just be human beings at some point? The Philippines Code of
Ethics even continues in article ten, section two specifically stating that teachers must stay out
of debt. What a specific expectation of a teachers life outside their profession. I wonder if these
strict expectations turn some teachers in the Philippines away from the profession.
Finally, I dislike the contradicting religious statements within the Philippines Code of
Ethics. This code is created as a guide to private and public educators, yet includes religious
expectations, which was a surprise to me, since the NEA Code of Ethics does not include any
religious expectations. First of all, article three, section eight states that teachers have the
freedom to attend religious events, but cannot use the profession as a way to influence others
religiously. This expectation seems fitting to our NEA Code of Ethics. Then, the Philippines
Code of Ethics continues in article eleven, section four stating that teachers should always

recognize God as the guide to their destiny, and the destiny of those around them. I feel this
statement breaks the expectation previously stated, as an opportunity to influence others.
If faced with an ethical decision as a teacher, would the Philippines Code of Ethics be
helpful? With the great detail, and multiple areas covered within this code of ethics, I feel the
code would be helpful in making ethical decisions. For example, I have experienced the ethical
situation as to whether or not confront a coworker with teaching suggestions to improve student
success. The Philippines Code of Ethics makes this ethical decision a simple one! Article five,
section six states that teachers may submit in writing any justifiable criticism against colleagues
to administration without violating the rights of the individual. What a thoughtful detail to include
within a code of ethics to give teachers a clear answer to an ethical decision!
The Philippines Code of Ethics has created in me a renewed worthiness of being a
teacher, due to its ability to create a positive, noble standard that requires teachers to create
national pride in their students. At a time within our state of Wisconsin where education is not a
priority, I feel a need for an improved code of ethics that creates pride in the teaching profession
through its expectations to make the communities around us truly great! Even though the
Philippines is 7,900 miles away and has its share of cultural differences, their approach to
educational standards can renew our nations trust in ourselves!

Bibliography
http://teachercodes.iiep.unesco.org/teachercodes/codes/Asia/Philippines.pdf

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