Module 1 Nature

of
Teaching and
Teacher Roles
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Educ 2 The Teaching

Profession Dr. Glenda
A. Abejuela Course
Professor
Bicol University Tabaco
Campus Education
Department Tabaco City
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Lesson 2: The Roles of a Teacher

This lesson focuses on exploring and

understanding the personal traits and
values, important needs, rights and roles
of teachers in the society. It also includes
activities that will provide you with good
insights and perspectives about the human
side of the teaching profession. It will allow
you to critically reflect on relevant
practices and issues of teachers, and help
you embrace your calling as teachers.

Let’s Do This (Activity 2.1)

Answer the following

questions:

1. Describe your ideal

teacher.

2. Among your K to 12 teachers, who influenced you the most?

Why?
3. As an Education student, which of the following influenced you the most in
choosing
this course? Your parents? Your relatives? Your teachers? Your
choice? Why?
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ny- hats-a-teacher-wears

Intended Learning Outcomes At the end of

the lesson, you are expected to:
1. identify several roles performed by teachers in the
society. 2. appreciate the role of teachers in the society.
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Let’s Read

Disclaimer: The content of these readings are taken from

Chapter 1: The Teacher as a Person in the Society by Dr. Greg
Pawilen in his book Teaching Profession, Pasion and Mission.

The key to understand the teaching profession is to know the personal and
professional lives of teachers. First, it is important for us to understand that
teachers are products of the family where they belong. The family values and the
home environment that shaped their belief, character, and personal values are
reflected in their personality, values, and personal philosophy. Second we need
to recognize that teachers are also shaped by the society where they live. The
society’s culture, values, norms, religion, religion, and environment are influential
in shaping their life as individual and professional. Teachers are servant leaders
in their own community. Third, it is already a fact that the schools they attended
are also contributory to the development of their expertise, talents, knowledge,
skills and philosophy as a professional.

A. The Teacher as a
Person

Understanding the teaching profession requires deeper appreciation of the

lives of teachers as individuals in the society. Teachers are given high regard in
the society for the multiple roles they perform aside from teaching. As society
becomes more complex and its values are becoming more pluralistic, the areas
of responsibility for teachers become wider. Hence, teacher education institutions
should embrace the challenge of preparing teachers who will soon carry the task
of preparing the young generation to meet the different challenges brought by an
ever-changing world. This will prepare them become effective professionals in all
tasks in various communities where they will be assigned to serve.

Chen, Manion, and Morrision, as cited by Pawilen (2016), pointed out that
teaching is more than just a simple job. Some people especially those who
choose it to be their profession, regard teaching as a higher calling and a
commitment to make positive changes in the society and in the lives of all people
they teach. Teachers are also regarded as modern heroes and heroines. They
are servant leaders, knowledge providers, and community organizers. Thus, it is
important to understand the life of a teacher as a person.
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❖ Teachers Have Different Talents and Skills
It is always desirable for teachers to possess various skills and talents that they can use
and share as they perform their teaching tasks. Like, teachers with musical talents are
great assets. They can organize a school choral group and integrate musical
experiences in the classroom instruction. Some teachers are also good in performing
arts. They can organize theater group, teach different dances and other forms of
performing arts. Their talents are also valuable in making visual aids and in integrating
art activities in the classroom.
In terms of skills, many teachers are very creative in designing classroom environments
and in organizing school activities. They master the art of selecting instructional
methods and strategies appropriate for their students. They are skillful in improvising
different types of teaching devices and other instructional materials.
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Teachers are blessed with special talents and skills that are useful in fulfilling their noble
task of molding the minds and character of the future generations of leaders,
professionals, and responsible citizens. A creative way to describe the talents and skills
of a teacher is a simple written piece about “The Body Parts of a Teacher.”
• Brain to always think critically and creatively.
• Eyes to see the individual needs, strength, and nature of each student.
• Ears to listen to students’ ideas and concerns.
• Hands to guide students and show the right direction.
• Heart to all the students regardless of who and what they are.
• Mouth to speak the truth, discuss knowledge, and speak wisdom to students.
• Feet to walk with the students, explore the surroundings, and discover new knowledge
and information.
• Nose to breathe deeply and relax when feeling tired or pressured.
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Let’s Do This (Activity 2.2)

Answer the following

questions:

1. What talents and skills do you have that can be shared or

used
when you become a full-fledged
teacher?

2. Think of a teacher whom you consider to be talented and skillful in

his or her teaching. How do his or her talents benefitted his or her
teaching?

Let’s Read
❖ Teachers Have Different
Needs

Teachers have different needs. They have emotional, social, spiritual,

physical, economic, and other needs. Many times their call to duty made
teachers very busy in everyday that they set aside their individual needs.
During the night and weekends, teachers are still obliged to make their lesson
plans, check papers and accomplish other school forms and reports. These
are just few things that teachers do. Many teachers sacrifice their own needs
in order to serve. Hence, teachers need time to relax, rest and enjoy with their
families.

Teachers have economic needs. The salary they receive is not tantamount to
the enormous tasks they have to do inside and outside the school. While
teaching is not a profession to make people rich, teachers also need money
to sustain their daily needs and to feed their families.

Teachers need security and justice. Some teachers suffer from perils of
injustice. Some are victims of kidnapping by lawless groups especially in
 areas controlled by insurgents where kidnap for ransom activities are
rampant. Some of them are victims of school officials too. Their promotions
are sometimes tainted by giving lavish gifts and other favors to their superiors
rather than by the merit of their performance. Thus, teachers need to be free
from all the stress of school politics.

Teachers need to be recognized and appreciated to boast their emotion and

self- esteem. This not literally mean they want appreciation for the services
they render. It means people must be more understanding of the life and duty
of a teacher. The school should provide them with a nurturing environment
that allows individual and professional growth. The school should also
recognize the outstanding works and
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commitments of teachers. The best reward for a teacher however, is to see her or his
former students be successful in their profession.
Teachers need spiritual support. The task of a teacher is heavy to bear considering all
the demands of their job and all the unnecessary stresses they experience. Every day,
they are molding the minds of the next generation’s leaders and citizens. In doing these
tasks, teachers need some form of spiritual guidance and inspiration regardless of their
religion.
Teachers need role clarity. Oftentimes, many teachers are surprised about the many
roles, duties and expectations they have to perform inside and outside the classroom.
These tasks range from teaching, serving as role models, and dealing with various
individuals and social institutions.
Teachers have social needs. They need to socialize into the society to know the people
and to understand the social realities experienced by students in every day. As an agent
of the society, teachers need to have good relationship with other social agencies. They
need to build good relationship with families, community leaders, and other
professionals.
Teachers need to cope with various challenges and changes. Teaching requires
teachers to respond to different challenges and changes brought by information
technology, changing social values system, economic challenges and cultural diversity.
Changes can provide opportunities to innovate and can act as an important catalyst for
a critical reflection of established practices. But these changes may also cause
unprecedented stresses to teachers. They need to have better understanding of the
diversity of learners in terms of the learning styles, thinking preferences, needs and
interests, socio-economic status, and other diversity factors related to the learners.
These will require teachers to develop new leadership, pedagogical, and social skills.
Let’s Do This (Activity 2.3)
Answer the following questions:
1. What other needs of teachers can you identify which are not
cited in this discussion? Explain.
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2. As a future teacher, what do you think is the best way that the government can do
to meet the needs of the teachers.
3. Think of our situation right now and the modalities for teaching under the new normal.
If you were the teacher, what sentiment of the teachers would you like to be addressed
by the DepEd Officials. State your reason.
4. Do you believe that teachers are un fairly treated compared to other professionals?
Why?
Let’s Read
❖ Teachers Have Individual Rights
All human beings are entitled to enjoy specific rights. These human rights are enshrined
in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in Article III of the
1987 Philippine Constitution. As an individual, every teacher is entitled to enjoy all
human rights identified by the state.
In their work, labor laws ensure that their employers give their privileges and fair
treatment in doing their duties. Their status as employee is protected by a system
granting them permanency status or tenure. The Manual of Regulations for Private
School Teachers and the magna Carta for Public School Teachers also guarantee that
all teachers enjoy their rights and ensure justice in the conduct of their rights as
professionals. They
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are free to organize or join any professional organizations that will help them grow
professionally. They enjoy freedom of expression that guarantees their voices and
opinions to be heard and respected. For tertiary (College) Faculty Members, they enjoy
academic freedom that enable them to do research and publish their scholarly works
and opinions. The rights of professional teachers specified by R.A. 232, R.A.
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7836, and the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers will be further
discussed after the Midterm.

Often times, teachers are also among the most common victims of human rights
violations. It is unfortunate that some teachers are victims of unfair labor
practices and abuse of authority by some school officials. Some teachers
from conflict areas are also victims of kidnapping and other forms of abuses.

As individuals, teachers have the right to enjoy a dignified life. A life that is free
from any forms of threat and danger. They are entitled to be protected by the
state from any form of lawlessness. Article XIII, Section 1 – 3 of the 1987
Philippine Constitutions enshrine the commitment of the state to ensure social
justice, human rights, and labor rights of each individual that include teachers.

Let’s Do This (Activity 2.4)

1. Examine the Bill of Rights in Article III of the 1987

Philippine Constitution. Do you think all teachers are
enjoying their rights as citizens? Justify. 2. What is your
opinion about teachers joining anti-
government rallies? 3. In what ways teachers can become human rights
advocates in their communities?

B. The Teacher as a
Professional

By virtue of Republic Act 7836, amended by RA

9293, teaching was professionalized and thereby
requiring teachers to take the Licensure Examination
for Teachers. As professionals, teachers are bound
to perform specific duties to the society specially to
schools and students guided by a professional code
of ethics.

Teaching is always regarded as a vocation by many

people. However, the government deem it necessary to recognize teaching as a
profession; giving the highest regard to teachers as professionals. This does not,
in anyway, make teaching a profession; a job to earn money, but it enables us to
regard teaching in a grand manner. It is a noble profession for individuals who
 are willing to dedicate their lives and services in the development of future
citizens and leaders of the country.
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The following are the 7 Rs that professional teachers need to do and to learn as
professionals:
✓ Remember to perform your duties with high degree of professionalism. A teacher should not
allow his or her integrity to be destroyed due to personal greed and bad politics. Teachers should
avoid cheating their students’ grades and having favoritism in their class. ✓ Respond to the
needs of each student with utmost level of concern to the welfare and well-being of each student.
✓ Recognize that as professionals, teachers must continuously seek professional career
advancements through joining professional associations, attending continuing education
activities for teachers, and doing graduate studies. ✓ Reawaken your passion and sense of
mission to serve all types of learners regardless of their religion, socioeconomic status, gender,
race, intellectual ability and learning modalities. ✓ Renew your commitment to help each
learner to learn in order to have a better future. A teacher must believe that each child can have a
good future if we help them with the knowledge and skills that we teach them. ✓ Re-evaluate
your attitude towards students and your work ethics. ✓ Relearn, learn, and unlearn many
things to keep you updated with new knowledge and information. A teacher must be
always active in the business of lifelong learning. Currently, there are also few teachers
who are not behaving professionally. There are teachers who are facing legal cases for
sexual harassment and other forms of abuses against students. There are also some
who receive money in order to give honors and other awards to undeserving students.
There are news of teachers trying to buy their tenure and promotions by giving gifts and
other forms of favors to education officials. There are also some news of
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teachers involved in extra-marital relationships. There is also a general
observation that some teachers have very low content knowledge in the subjects
they are teaching. These acts deconsecrate teaching as a noble profession.

Amidst these frustrating facts, there are still many teachers who are doing
their best to live as outstanding professionals and citizens. A number of teachers
in various levels are recipients of various awards and recognitions such as metro
Bank Award for Outstanding Teachers, The Central Bank Guro ng Pag-asa
Award, and other awards from various institutions of the society.

There are also many unsung heroes and heroines among the teachers,
especially those who are assigned to teach in local and indigenous communities.
These teachers are the volunteers and mobile teachers. All of them have
dedicated their lives in order to help students learn and develop. Many of them
are dedicated and committed in performing their sacred duty to help students
become functionally literate and be responsible citizens.

Let’s Do This (Activity 2.5)

Answer the following

questions:

1. Looking at the triumphs and failures of teachers today, do

you think that teaching is still the noblest profession? Explain
your answer.

2. What are the things that should be improved in the professional life of
teachers?

C. The Teacher as a Community Leader and Social

Advocate

Educators play an important role in the development of people and communities.

Jan and Ed Philpot (1994), as cited by Pawilen (2016), concretized this idea by
encouraging a stronger link between home, school, and community through
effective programs developed and implemented by teachers. The life of a teacher
is neither confined in the four corners of the classroom nor limited inside the
school campus.
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A teacher is an active leader in the community. They always take leadership
in their communities especially in activities and projects related to the education
and welfare of young children. They also provide leadership roles in various
cultural development programs in their communities. Teachers provide technical
and professional assistance in local communities where they belong.

In many local government units, especially in the barangay, teachers are part
of the local community’s Committee on Child Protection, Education and Welfare.
They help the community in implementing certain provisions of RA 7610 (Special
Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act). They
represent the local schools in their area to develop an education plan and welfare
programs for young children protected under this law.

Teachers give advice on education matters and they serve as leaders and
organizers of community activities for children, women, and youth. Some
teachers serve as coach to sports events and trainers on cultural presentations.
Some teachers serve as judges to competitions while others are elected as
officers to community-based organizations. Teachers are always active in
performing many leadership roles in community where they belong.

Teachers also served as advocates for quality education, protection, and

welfare of children and youth, promotion of literacy, human rights, wellness and
health, justice and many other concerns. They support free and honest elections,
they help people understand the effects of irresponsible use of resources and
they advocate values formation in the community. In many places, we see
teachers as freedom fighters organizing various members of the community to
sustain the dignity of life.

Let’s Do This (Activity 2.6)

Answer the following

questions:

1. How can we engage teachers to be good community

leaders?

2. What forms of advocacies should a teacher participate in

the
community
?
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D. The Teacher as a Model of Good
Character

Teachers are recognized as exemplars of good character, attitude, and values.

They are keepers of values and traditions of different cultures around the world.
Many people consider them as spiritual leaders and great mentors. For
Christians, Jesus is the perfect kind of teacher and leader to emulate.. For the
Chinese, the teachings and values of Confucius are always put in a very high
regard. Mohammed is also the most influential teacher-leader for the Muslims.
The life and teachings of Buddha are also influential among the Buddhists. Plato
and Aristole are regarded as great teachers during ancient Greek time. These
model teachers used their good nature and character to influence people. They
stand on their principles and beliefs, and they faithfully perform their duties at all
times.

Currently, we still see many teachers exemplifying good values and

character. In the international scene, we heard that many Nobel laureates and
Pulitzer Award winners are teachers in the higher education . In the Philippines,
some of the recipients of Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) and Ten

Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service (TOWNS) are also teachers. There are

also may teachers who are exemplars of good character who remained to be
silently doing their duties excellently. They neither received any award nor
recognition but they excel in their duties. They continuously influence the lives of
may students who came to learn under their care. They extend their time to teach
and touch the lives of their learners. They are good mentors and they are
dedicated professionals who never thought of any award and recognition.

In many occasions, we also hear and read stories of successful individuals

attributing their successes in life due to the influence and nurturing character of
great teachers. This simply shows that amidst the ups and downs of teacher
qualities, the society have never stopped producing great teachers who continue
to serve as models and molders for students across generations.
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Let’s Do This (Activity 2.7)

Answer the following

questions:

1. What are the problems and issues related to teachers’

character
and behavior that you are
aware of?

2. What are the factors that influence the values system and character of
teachers
today
?

3. Identify 3 important values and character of your teachers which are most
appreciated by students. State your
reason.

E. The Teacher as An
Expert

Since ancient times, teachers are recognized as sources of wisdom and

information in every society. Aside from teaching, they serve as guides,
counselors, and spiritual leaders in the society. Through the knowledge they
share, they attract attention from many students and individuals. They are given
prominent positions in royal courts giving expert opinions and advise to kings and
other community leaders. They enjoy political influence in every community
where they belong in the history of mankind.

Though teachers no longer hold an political power today, still, there are many
teachers who are known experts in many fields and disciplines. Their ideas
penetrate all aspects of life through the wisdom, knowledge, values, and skills
they shared to their students who became leaders and citizens in all generations.

Teachers need to be experts in various fields in the academe to prepare the

students to respond to myriad of challenges brought by the 21 st century. Shulman
(1987), as cited by Pawilen (2016), organized the important domains that are
important to teachers.

1. Knowledge in Content. Teachers should know the subject matter they

teach.
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2. Pedagogical Content knowledge. It represents a perfect blending of
content and pedagogy into a framework for understanding how subjects,
topics, and lessons are organized into instruction. It simply means teachers
should master the subject they are teaching and they know how to teach it
effectively. 3. Knowledge of the learners. Teachers should understand the
nature or characteristics of the learners. They have an idea of the different
learning styles, thinking styles, and educational needs of their learners. 4.
General pedagogical knowledge. Teachers should understand the general
theories and principles of teaching. They should understand the general
pedagogical principles that are applicable to any classroom situation and in
any teaching and learning context. 5. Knowledge of educational contexts.
Teachers should understand the educational context of the learners and of
the school. Educational context may focus on the cultural, economic, political,
and education context that shape and influence education. 6. Curriculum
Knowledge. Teachers need to have knowledge and appreciation of the
curriculum, curriculum models, innovations, curriculum designs, curriculum
materials, assessment and the curriculum process. 7. Knowledge of
educational ends, purposes, and values. Teachers should understand the
principles, theories, and purposes of education. They should have deep
appreciation of the enduring values of education.

Teachers play an important role in the total educational system of any

country. The expertise of teachers in content and in pedagogy is contributory to
their immense task of molding the mind and character of every individual person
who become their students. The knowledge they instilled in the minds of their
students will always be useful and relevant in everyday life. As experts in
different areas, teachers need to possess the 4 Cs.

▪ Creativity. It is a cognitive ability to think outside the box, develop new

ideas, possess outstanding talent, and lead effectively. It is also the capacity
to innovate.
▪ Critical Thinking. It is a cognitive ability and capacity to think critically in
solving problems, making decisions, and in processing ideas.
▪ Commitment. It is the passion to make a difference in the lives of each
learner.
▪ Character. Teachers must be exemplars of positive
values.
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What You Will Do?

Referenc
e:

Pawilen, G. (2016). Teaching Profession, Passion and Mission. Manila: Rex

Book Store, Inc.

https://www.pinterest.ph/ingenira/happy-teachers-day-quotes-and-
messages/
Construct an infographics on the multirole
of the teachers. Use only one short bond
paper for your output