Interrogating the Significance of Professionalism and Professional Ethics in the Teaching Profession
Date
2015
Journal Title
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Publisher
Journal of Sociology and Social Anthropology
Abstract
The teaching profession is generally referred to as a noble profession. There are, however, numerous
reported cases of professional misconduct by teachers in schools. In this concept paper the researchers explore the
concepts professionalism and professional ethics in the teaching profession. The researchers further examine the
importance of professionalism and professional ethics in the teaching profession. Teacher accountability as a way
of ensuring the upholding of professional ethics is discussed. Teacher indiscipline as a result of lack of professionalism
is explored and common forms of misconduct by teachers in schools are unearthed through examination of related
studies. The researchers conclude by restating the significance of professionalism and professional ethics in the
teaching profession, against the realisation that teachers deal with the moulding of future citizens, which should be
done with utmost care and concern. In this paper the researchers recommend that teacher training programmes
should place more emphasis on the teaching of professional ethics in the same way content and pedagogical
expertise are valued. Continuous professional development programmes for practising teachers should expose
teachers to the importance of professionalism and professional ethics. Measures should be put in place to hold
teachers accountable for the ways in which they dispensetheir duties. Performance-related pay increases and
licencing of teachers are some of the ways to ensure accountability
Description
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Keywords
educator sexual misconduct, teachers, schools, child sexual abuse, International Resources, South Africa, professional ethics, prevention
Citation
Maphosa, C., Bhebhe, S., & Dziva, M. (2015). Interrogating the Significance of Professionalism and Professional Ethics in the Teaching Profession. Journal of Sociology and Social Anthropology, 6(2), 263-272.