Abstract
Teaching is a noble profession. It has great potential to impact the future generations. It is responsible in moulding the society. That is why it needs to be valued and appreciated by all elements of the society, be it the teacher, student, parents or even the government. Majority of the teachers carry this noble tradition with their heads held high and go on to innovate and teach beyond just the regular classroom settings. Sometimes teachers seek material or even sexual favors from students and parents in exchange for a higher academic rating. Other teachers tend to resort to corporal punishment, others have lost the fervor to impart knowledge and simply go through the entire motions of teaching, for the sake of fulfilling and obligation.
In the past few years alone there have been many incidents in India, across various states, that have shown how we are lacking ethics and professionalism at every level in our system of education. These issues are related to teachers but students and the society-at-large-are not far behind in this immorality. There have been innumerable cases of ragging as well as malpractices such as copying in the examinations, in college and in schools. Instances of such incidences, are on the rise in recent times. In the 21st century as the world moves into the future, our Indian society still holds back its girl child population. Inspite of so many schemes and endeavors of the government, to promote education for the girl child our Indian society restricts the progress of this very women force. On one hand, the government is declaring and demanding, 'Education for all' and on the other hand, the rural population is neglected. Corrupt and controversial persons are occupying the seats of eminence in our set-up that totally lacks ethics and professionalism.
The Oxford dictionary defines ethics as science of morals, morals principles or code. Professionalism is a quality or typical features that are unique to one's occupation. Ethics refers to moral principles that control or influence a person's behaviour. Moral principles are the guiding forces that help a person think and act in manners that are acceptable by the common mass and generally good for the individual as well as others. Morality emerges from moral principles and these principles eventually become the guiding gospel of all forms of human living.
It should be the teacher's primary duty to understand students, to be just, courteous, to promote a spirit of enquiry, fellowship and joy in them and not to do or say anything that would undermine their personality, not to exploit them for personal interests. Teachers are respected by society because they know about different subjects. Proper education is the need of the day if we want our country to progress. This is because every child must be given the best level of education. So teachers should not only act as facilitators of education but also guide students and become a good role model for them.
Besides school education, the years spent in college also play a big role in shaping the future of individuals. Here again, lecturers and professors have the power to truly inspire these young individuals to develop their thought processes and choose the right path in their pursuit for quality education. It has been rightly said that 'children are the future of any country' and teachers play an important role in shaping their bright future. It's education, not economics, that can take the country ahead and so ethics and professionalism are of extreme importance in education.
This paper seeks to present a case for the state of ethics & professionalism for teachers in a school system, to enhance the quality of education being imparted in schools.
Dr. Smita Phatak is a professor at the Tilak College of Education, Pune and has an illustrious career as an educator & a facilitator for education.
Ms. Pinaze P. Dubash has completed her completed B.Ed from H. G. M. Azam College, in 2009 and completed her M.Ed from Tilak College of Education in 2010.
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