By: Rhodora C. Navea
T3, Santa Cruz ES
It was clearly stated in the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers that “Teachers are duly licensed professional who possess dignity and reputation with high moral values as well as technical and professional competence. Moreover, the said Code also dictates that” a teacher shall maintain at all times a dignified personality which could serve as model worth of emulation by learners, peers, and others.”
This only means that teachers are role models in the society and that as role models they were expected to be morally upright individuals who displayed exemplary behavior, both in their official and personal conduct. In short, they must be decent at all times.
Furthermore, the term “decency” refers to a behavior that conforms to accepted standard of responsibility. In a country like ours, the Philippines, being decent and morally good is important especially when it comes with the teachers. The public eyes are on them as they are expected to display behaviors reflective of the moral virtues and likewise must adhere with the given standards.
On the other hand, Tiktok had become the most famous social media platform today. Many students are into it, even teachers. They’ve been using it for educational purposes but most of the time as stress reliever after hours of long and tiring work in school.
However, just recently a female teacher made headlines after she danced a sexy dance using Tiktok. This drew criticism because, it is said that the said act of the teacher is not appropriate, especially since there are many students who might see him and may no longer respect him.
Well, my honest opinion on this issue is that it is not bad to use the social media to demonstrate our talents like singing and dancing abilities. As respected teachers, for sure many would be interested and happy to see us performing in a different venue other than the school. But let us bear in mind that what our students would see might have an effect on them. If they see us dancing to sexy and revealing it might connote that such behavior is just fine and acceptable, and it is just okay for them to follow it.
Remember, DepEd sought to remind teachers and even the non-teaching staff to always “subject words and actions, including social media activities, to the highest degree of ethical and professional standards.”
