Professional Ethics and the Teacher Code of Ethics in Strengthening Educational Professionalism: A Literature Review
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Abstract
Professional ethics and the teacher code of ethics underpin educational relationships grounded in fairness, responsibility, and respect for students’ dignity. Understanding their role in teacher professionalism requires attention to professional responsibility, student protection, educational practice, and ethical violations. This study analyzes the concept of teacher professional ethics, the principles and functions of the teacher code of ethics, its implementation, and the forms, causes, consequences, and prevention of ethical violations. A literature review employing a descriptive qualitative approach examined relevant books, scholarly journal articles, and educational documents. Information from the selected sources was analyzed through identification, classification, comparison, interpretation, and synthesis. The findings identify integrity, fairness, responsibility, exemplary conduct, respect for students’ dignity, and continuous professional development as core dimensions of teacher professional ethics. The teacher code of ethics provides guidance for professional conduct, supports the protection of students’ rights, and safeguards the dignity of the teaching profession. Ethical violations—including verbal abuse, discrimination, abuse of authority, unfair assessment, and neglect of professional responsibilities—can adversely affect students and undermine public trust in teachers. The review identifies stronger ethical understanding, professional development, supervision, and consistent implementation of the code as priorities for educational practice. By connecting ethical principles with professional conduct, student protection, and the prevention of misconduct, the study provides a conceptual synthesis for strengthening teacher professionalism.
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