Awareness, Practices, and Compliance with the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers

Abstract: This study examined public elementary teachers’ awareness, practices, and compliance with the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers in a medium-sized school district in the central Philippines during the School Year 2023-2024. The data were collected from 166 teachers using a descriptive research design and a self-made questionnaire. Teachers' profiles were analyzed using frequency and percentage scoring, while their awareness, practices, and compliance were assessed through mean scoring. Statistical tests, including the Mann-Whitney U and Spearman Rho, were applied to analyze significant differences and relationships. Findings indicated that teachers demonstrated a "very high" level of awareness and practices and a "very great" extent of compliance with the Code across key areas: relationships with the profession, higher authorities, learners, parents, and the community. Age and length of service impacted teachers' awareness and practices in relation to learners, while age and educational attainment influenced practices with higher authorities. Moreover, a significant relationship was identified between teachers' awareness and their practices and between awareness and compliance and compliance and practices with the Code. The study concludes that teachers maintain high awareness, practice, and compliance levels, reflecting a strong commitment to professionalism and ethical practice. This is vital in an evolving pedagogical and education landscape, where teachers’ full adherence and solid allegiance to ethical standards help sustain the respect, harmony, and trust which are essential to their roles. Likewise, for educators, maintaining this professionalism is fundamental, as they serve as lifelong role models, exemplifying the principles of ethics and excellence in education. Keywords: Awareness, compliance, code of ethics, practices, professional teachers