BETERBO, Janhssen A. 2 AB Political Science The Teaching Profession Assessment Study the following situations. Situation no. 1 Being a person known for his integrity and credibility, Mr. Albert Perez has been serving as part of the Board of Election Canvassers for the past 10 years. However, in the coming elections, his mother will be running as barangay captain. Because of this, he is asked to campaign for her. Is it alright for him to campaign for his mother’s candidacy? Explain your answer. Answer: Mr. Albert Perez, known for his integrity, faces an ethical dilemma as he serves on the Board of Election Canvassers while his mother runs for barangay captain. However, professionals in such positions must remain unbiased to ensure a level playing field for all candidates. Actively campaigning for a family member, as requested by Mr. Perez, compromises this fundamental principle and may be perceived as departing from required neutrality. The concept of conflict of interest, a cornerstone of ethical conduct, becomes pertinent. Education codes stress avoiding situations where personal interests clash with professional duties. Mr. Perez's dual role as a board member and a supporter of his mother's candidacy presents a potential conflict demanding careful consideration. Non-partisanship is a key expectation for individuals in election-related capacities, requiring refraining from overtly supporting partisan activities. Campaigning for a family member, particularly one seeking a political position, may be viewed as a violation of this principle. In light of these considerations, it is generally inadvisable for Mr. Perez to actively campaign for his mother. Such actions could compromise the perceived fairness of the election process, eroding public trust in both the electoral system and the Board of Election Canvassers. A potential alternative involves Mr. Perez recusing himself from election matters involving his mother's candidacy, mitigating conflicts of interest, and upholding the integrity of his board role. The ethical standards, especially those in the Education Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers, underscore impartiality, conflict of interest avoidance, and non-partisanship, guiding Mr. Perez to ensure continued trust and integrity in the electoral process. Situation no. 2 Mr. Lando Matias , who has been teaching for the last 25 years, refused to attend an important conference in Mindanao. Every time he is asked by the principal to attend such an activity, he always requests a new teacher to attend. As a professional teacher, is it right to express refusal in attending conferences. Answer: In my perspective, Mr. Lando Matias's consistent refusal to attend conferences, and opting to delegate the responsibility to newer teachers, raises ethical considerations in the context of the legal bases and education code of ethics for professional teachers. While the Education Code of Ethics recognizes the importance of teachers' professional growth, Mr. Matias's recurrent rejection of conference attendance may be seen as a deviation from the commitment to continuous improvement. The education code emphasizes the responsibility of teachers to contribute to the enhancement of the educational system through lifelong learning. Attending conferences is a recognized avenue for staying updated on advancements in education. By consistently declining, Mr. Matias might inadvertently hinder his own professional development and deny himself the opportunity to bring valuable insights to his students and colleagues. However, the code also acknowledges the importance of considering personal circumstances. If Mr. Matias has valid reasons for his refusals, he should communicate them transparently to the principal. Striking a balance between individual circumstances and the collective goal of educational improvement is essential. Hence, while professional teachers have the right to express concerns about conference attendance, it is crucial to align personal considerations with the commitment to continuous learning and contribute to the betterment of the educational system. Effective communication with the principal and a collaborative approach to professional development can help strike this balance.
