WHAT IS TEACHING?

As an end - there is a purpose or reason

John I. Goodlad for conducting it.
-“Teaching is a profession laden with risk
and responsibility that requires a great
deal for those who enter into it.”
H.C. Morrison (1934)
-“Teaching is an intimate contact
between a more mature personality and
a less mature one which is designed to
further the education of the latter.”
Edmund Amidon (1967)
-“Teaching is defined as an interactive Dimensions of the Teaching Profession
process, primarily involving classroom 1. The Why of Teaching (Entering the
talk, which takes place between teacher Profession): What is/are your reason/s
and pupil and occurs during certain for choosing teaching as a career?
definable activities.” 2. The Who of Teaching (Learners):
B.O. Smith (1969) Learners are the reasons for the
-“Teaching is a system of actions existence of teachers, schools, and school
involving an agent, an end in view, and a administrators. Without learners, none of
situation, including two sets of factors - these would exist
those over which the agent has no control 3. The When of Teaching (Evolution of
(class size, size of classroom, physical Teacher Education in the Philippines):
characteristics of pupil etc.) and those that The 21st century presents a different
he can modify such as a way of asking social landscape for learners and this
questions or ideas gleaned.” necessitates changing the mindset of pre-
T.F. Greens (1971) service teachers in determining what to
-“Teaching is a task of a teacher, which is teach, how to teach, and where to teach.
performed for the development of a 4. The How of Teaching (Pedagogy):
child.” Teachers teach differently from other
-Teachers plant the seeds of knowledge professionals because they employ varied
that grow forever. teaching approaches and utilize
Farrant (1980) meaningful activities that evoke better
“Teaching is the process that facilitates learning outcomes. They also present
learning. The teacher has an important their subject matter creatively and
role to play because he acts as a uniquely because of the diverse and wide-
catalyst, actively stimulating learning.” ranging strategies and approaches they
G. Wells (1982) utilize. Interestingly, the use of creative,
-“Teaching is a cluster of activities that enjoyable, and learner-centered strategies
are noted about teachers such as and approaches to teaching constitute the
explaining, deducing, questioning, teachers' professional identity.
motivating, taking attendance, keeping 5. The What of Teaching (Curriculum): -
record of works, learners' progress and The curriculum constitutes the educational
background information.” content of the goals, and intended
“Teaching is both a process and an end.” outcomes as well as competencies to be
As a process - a procedure is required in taught and developed among the learners.
undertaking it. -The curriculum is the roadmap of all the
activities in school and the ultimate
measure of the results of instruction.
6. The Where of Teaching (Field ➢ Inspiring teachers touch the
Placement): Information and sensibilities and humanity of their
communications technology has now learners, thereby motivating them
re-ordered the place of teaching and better to learn and live in this world.
learning. Today, classrooms are According to Elliot Eisner (2005), there
structured differently equipped with the are four (4) reasons that make
most recent and sophisticated technology. TEACHING AS AN ART
Moreover, teaching and learning take 1. Teaching is an art because it can be
place anywhere at any time with the performed with such skill and grace that,
advent of technology. for learners as for the teacher, the
Henry Adams experience can be justifiably characterized
- "A teacher affects eternity; he can never as aesthetic.
tell where his influence stops." 2. Teaching is an art because teachers,
Maggie Gallagher like the painters, composers, etc., make
"Of all the hard jobs around, one of the judgments based on qualities that unfold
hardest is being a good teacher." during the course of action.
William Arthur Ward 3. Teaching is an art because the
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher's activity is not dominated by
teacher explains. The superior teacher prescriptions or routine, but is influenced
demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." by qualities and contingencies that are
unpredicted
Metaphors of Teaching 4. Teaching is an art in the sense that the
Teaching as an Art ends it achieves are often created in the
➢ They demonstrate creativity, reflection, process.
and innovation in their work. Teaching as a Science
➢ Like an artist, teachers use ➢ It is done in a systematic and orderly
teaching as a medium to express manner.
themselves. ➢ It entails a deep knowledge and
➢ In teaching, they express their application of effective techniques
ideas and beliefs through the senses emanating from empirical studies.
just like the artists presenting their ➢ The content (theories and principles)
thoughts through their art. and process (pedagogical approaches) of
➢ They stimulate learners' thoughts teaching are not products of hit and miss.
and emotions just like looking at an They are rather the results of research-
art which evokes interpretation and based processes and practices promoting
appreciation. learner achievement.
➢ They lead learners to understand ➢Is the process of asking questions is
abstract ideas or concepts through posing also considered a science?
effective questions.
➢ The methodologies employed by Teaching as a Craft
the teachers are forms of art A craft requires a kind of skilled work that
because they create, innovate, and undergoes planning and executing
strategize. process in order to produce a product or
➢ Inspiring learners to pursue and object. It requires careful attention to detail
enjoy learning makes teaching an with the dexterity(adeptness) of the
art. worker. The combination of teaching as
both a science and art makes it a craft.
Combining science and art result to
"creating" or forming individuals who may
become engineers, doctors, pilots, priests, Teaching as a Vocation
and leaders of the country. ➢ The word "vocation" is synonymous
➢Teachers possess specialized with "summon" as it comes from the Latin
techniques in applying the rules governing word "vocare" which means "to call". ➢ As
the application of the theories of a noun, Merriam Webster defines it as a
knowledge and the psychology of learning strong desire to spend one's life doing a
and teaching. certain kind of work. It is likened to the call
Pratte and Rury (1991) to priesthood as there is a divine plea
➢ craft-professionals have various skills joining and performing religious life
and practices reflecting a different sort of ➢ Teaching, therefore, is a
knowledge base. Unlike the traditional profession for which God utilizes a
professions, teaching as a craft-profession teacher to touch lives. Teachers are
does not rest on a highly formal or codified summoned to teach because they
body of knowledge. In teaching, much of have a strong inclination in partaking
the teachers' knowledge is something they in the total formation and
learn by doing or learned experientially, transformation of young people. It is
rather than acquired in a systematic and a self-giving or self-emptying enterprise,
highly formal manner. allowing them to partake in the
Kerchner and Kaufman (1995) development of humanity.
➢ argue that "although all ➢ Teachers who positively responded
professions have elements of craft to their calling perceive teaching as
knowledge, teaching's reliance on a lifetime commitment. In effect, they
highly indeterminate, experiential teach with passion and touch lives through
knowledge rather than codified information the years. This commitment remains
identifies it as a craft-profession rather inspiring and fulfilling thereby making
than an expert-profession. This is not to teaching truly a vocation. Despite the
say that such knowledge is necessarily numerous challenges and stresses as well
less substantial, or of a lower order, than as low salary of the teaching profession,
more abstract forms of knowledge. particularly in the private schools in the
Teaching as a Mission country, the teachers' love of teaching is
➢ The word mission, in its verb the key motivating factor to remain in their
tense, means "to send" as it comes from career.
the Latin word "misio" . Meaning of a Profession
➢ Missioning - connotes sending one or ➢ Its root word is "profess" which
an organized group to accomplish a means to show, demonstrate or manifest.
mission. Just like a person or a group of ➢ Anyone who holds a profession is
persons, teachers are commissioned to called a "professional" who is able to
accomplish a task or perform a service. profess expertise or specialization and a
➢ As a noun, the Merriam Webster's determination for excellence in the field.
Dictionary defines "mission" as "task ➢ A professional also professes
assigned". commitment to public interest and
➢ It is synonymous with "assignment" devotion to moral and ethical values
and "work". which have been acquired through
➢ If teaching is thus a mission, then long and tough years of preparation.
teachers are sent and entrusted to
achieve a "task" in this world
➢ Interestingly, the term "profession" professional judgments on the
may be identical to: occupation, job, performance of their duties and
career, work, line of work responsibilities.

John Goodlad (1984)

➢ defines a profession as a vocation or
occupation requiring advanced education Characteristics of a Professional
and training and involving intellectual A professional is one who professes the
skills. following:
➢ The work is based on unique ➢ A specialized knowledge base
knowledge and skills grounded in (technical culture);
research and practice in the field. ➢ A commitment to meeting client
➢ He/she has completed higher needs (service ethics);
education usually at the advanced ➢ A strong collective identity
level. (professional commitment);
➢ He/she is committed in his/her ➢ A collegial as against bureaucratic
profession and upholds the dignity control over practice and
and the highest standards of the professional standards (professional
profession. Code of Ethics for autonomy).
Professional Teachers
Characteristics of a Profession
Code of Ethics for Professional ➢ Mosby's Dental Dictionary (2008)
Teachers defines professional autonomy as "the
Republic Act 7836: Philippine Teachers right and privilege provided by a
Professionalization Act of 1994. governmental entity to a class of
➢ is essential in promoting and professionals and to each qualified
maintaining the highest standards of licensed caregiver within that profession,
professionalism in the teaching to provide services independent of
profession. The code provides ethical supervision."
guidelines ensuring we conduct ourselves
respectfully, with dignity, and sensitively The autonomy of a profession can be
toward our students and colleagues. determined in two (2) ways.
➢ A profession is an occupation which ➢professional judgment
performs a crucial social function. ➢self-interest and continuous
➢ Accomplishing this function requires process of critical evaluation
a considerable degree of skill and a body
of systematic knowledge that is grounded Professional judgment
on a theory. The acquisition of this body of ➢ Teachers, as professionals,
knowledge and the development of such manifest autonomy when they have a
specific skill entails a lengthy period of high degree of control of their own affairs.
higher education. Essentially, the period of This is reflected when making
education and training involves the independent judgments about their work.
process of socialization into professional They are not dictated by anyone and they
competence and values. Among do not compromise educational quality
professionals, developing these and standards because of pressures
competence and values is necessary to either from the principal, parents,
freely and competently make their own community leaders, and the like.
➢ Professional autonomy can only be goal of professional bodies is to self-
ensured if the members of the profession, regulate by asserting their independence
subject their activities and decisions to a from governmental interference especially
critical evaluation by other members of the in setting the professional standards. This
profession. To realize this, there must be is often termed as professional closure
a continuous process of critical evaluation as it seeks to inhibit entry for the
of ethics and procedures from within the unqualified and to sanction or expel
profession itself. This is to make a good incompetent members.
roadmap for the profession and to realize ➢ The self-governing and self-policing
their avowals(open declaration or goals of professional bodies are managed
acknowledgment) or commitments to the and regulated by senior, respected
society to which they are to serve. practitioners, and the most highly qualified
members of the profession. These
Highly developed theoretical or members plan, implement, monitor, and
specialized knowledge evaluate everything that is experienced in
➢ A profession is founded on an the field.
extensive period of training and education. ➢ The professional associations
➢ Through rigorous and lengthy training, likewise retain control over their work and
the prospective professionals learn the set control over their own theoretical
body of professional knowledge and skills knowledge. They, too, police their own
that are distinct to their profession. Since members from possible malpractice and
the knowledge and skills in the field are misbehavior by setting Code of
evolving, professionals also need to Professional Conduct.
continually update themselves. Thus, they
are required to undertake continuing Are graduates of non-board courses such
professional education while practicing in as Hospitality Management, Public
the field. Administration, Computing Sciences and
the like considered professionals? Why?
Control of Training, certification and
licensing of new entrants Teaching as a Profession
➢ After the formal training, they are UNESCO provides a clearer explanation
certified by the degree granting institution of the nature of teaching as a profession.
to take the board or licensure ➢ It declared during the 1966
examination. Passing the licensure intergovernmental conference on the
examination is the only way to be admitted status of teachers that "Teaching should
to the professional body which is based be regarded as a profession since it is a
mainly on theoretical knowledge. Hence, form of public service requiring teachers
licensed individuals are the only expert knowledge and specialized skills,
recognized bona fide members of the acquired and maintained through rigorous
professional body. and continuing study, it calls also for a
sense of personal and corporate
Self-governing and self-policing responsibility for the education and
authority, especially with regard to welfare of the pupils in their charge. "
professional ethics ➢ As a profession, it requires
➢ The professional association acts as significant training, talent, and
an interest group enhancing the status of expertise. On the other hand, it is a
their members and controlling the entry form of public service because it has
requirements to the field. The principal altruistic goals or unselfish regard for or
devotion to the welfare of others. People workshops, conferences, and other
in all societies recognize that teachers are activities that enhance their skills and
in a position of influence because they knowledge in their profession;
shape young minds in their communities. 4. Teachers abide by the code of ethics of
➢ Teachers are usually regarded as their profession called the Code of Ethics
frontline caregivers of any society. for Professional Teachers.
➢ They have great impact in cognitive
growth, stimulation, and
knowledgesharing. They promote well- Teaching as a Regulated Profession
being and psychosocial support in the ➢ Education is a public good demanded
classroom. They disseminate life-saving by people to satisfy their personal, social,
messages and serve as adult role models and other purposes in life. Because the
in crisis and longer-term development public demands and consumes education,
programs. teaching is a kind of public service
needing government support and
Based on the Report of the Ministerial protection. Simply put, teaching is a highly
Taskforce on the Condition and Status regulated profession because of the need
of Teaching in Western Australian to safeguard the rights, welfare, security,
Schools (1990). and morals of the learners who demand
➢ Teachers possess specialized education.
techniques and exercise judgment about
the application of these techniques in Luring Factors of Teaching as a
order to build a body of theoretical Profession ➢ Hall and Langton
knowledge. Teaching, as a field, squares (2006)
well with these fundamental elements and 1. Influence/importance to learners
thus to many, it is regarded as a ➢ Teachers play a critical and influential
profession. role in the formation of character, mental
and physical development of youngsters.
Proofs that Teaching is a Profession in They shape young minds, so to speak.
the Philippines This role of teachers is one of the greatest
➢ The Professional Regulation attractions to the teaching profession and
Commission (PRC) declares teaching as for considering it as an honorable,
a profession in the Philippines. The basis important, and respected profession.
is that teachers satisfy the basic requisites However, this attraction holds true only
of being a professional as follows: when teachers find teaching enjoyable
1. They passed the licensure examination and purposely driven to make a difference
for the profession called Board Licensure in the lives of the youngsters.
Examination for Professional Teachers 2. Job security
(BLEPT); ➢ Although job security is something
2. They are members of an Accredited difficult to measure, teaching can
Professional Organization (APO) in the hold assurance that teachers will keep
country. Specifically, teachers are their jobs without the risk of becoming
members of the National Organization of unemployed. Any place in this country and
Professional Teachers (NOPT); the world has schools where the services
3. Teachers undergo Continuing of teachers are needed. In the Philippines,
Professional Development (CPD) by once employed in public schools, teachers
attending or participating in professional obtain permanent posts and their tenure is
development activities like seminars,
protected by the Civil Service ➢ Teaching is not teaching unless
Commission. teachers make a big difference in the
3. Wider job opportunities offered lives of their learners.
➢ Teachers can become researchers, ➢ There is no other profession in this
consultants, book writers, resource world as influential in shaping the minds
speakers, extensionists, private tutors, and character of the young
and the like. These diverse opportunities ➢ Teaching is a profession where one
can be attributed to the fact that teaching can hone the minds, form the character
profession provides wider skills and and sharpen the skills of the young which
knowledge that they can use in many result to change or transformation in their
other jobs. In the Philippines, teachers are lives.
tapped during fiesta, election, surveys, ➢ Teachers do not only shape lives but
examinations, wedding, christening, and they also change lives of the youngsters
other sociocivic and religious events for the better.
4. Diversity of activities 2. Joy of working with learners
➢ Teaching is said not to be a boring ➢ This is an opportunity to touch
job because the clients of teachers are young lives and contribute in their
human beings who are alive and dynamic. formation and transformation.
Because of this, every day provides new ➢ Successful teachers testify that
experiences for teachers and new ways of partaking in the success of learners
doing things. Moreover, the variety of brings bliss that cannot be quantified
activities required in teaching makes it an in monetary terms. The happiness is
interesting job. Teachers can be involved higher than the salary one receives every
in activities along sports, culture, quiz bee, month or the honors and awards received
religion, music, drama, conference, and for exemplary academic performance.
the like 3. Watching learners rise to the
5. Long Holidays challenge of the subjects
➢ Teachers can enjoy long holidays ➢ Observing that the learners are
with pay. They also get paid when enjoying and progressing in their level of
classes are suspended due to competency (knowledge, skills and
typhoons, and other national or attitude) is the greatest and ultimate joy of
special holidays. This is on top of the teachers.
long summer vacation that enjoy ➢ Significantly, teachers find joy when
with pay. learners develop love for the subject
6. Shorter Hours of Work because of the creative presentation,
➢ As prescribed by the Magna Carta inspirational advice, and good packaging
for Public School Teachers, teachers of the teachers. The extent to which
are allowed only to have instructional time learners love and appreciate science,
of six (6) hours a day which is lower than mathematics, and history is purely
that of other professionals. This is further dependent on how the teacher teaches
reduced with the suspension of classes these subjects. If a learner dislikes
and long holidays earlier mentioned. mathematics, this is not because he/she
does not understand the subject but this is
“Teachers make all other professions because the teacher taught it the hard
possible.” way or in the most uninteresting way.
Hallmarks of the Teaching Profession 4. The joy of working with people in
1. Ability to make a difference in the general and youth in particular
lives of learners
➢ One thing unique in the teaching
profession is its clienteles. These
clienteles are young people who are in the
formative stage i.e., they are still building
their mental, social, cultural, physical, and
spiritual self. In this case, the contribution
of teachers is great in building the
personality, character, and life skills of the
learners.
➢ The joy of the teachers is
manifested in working with this
young people whom they see to
have significant change in their lives.
Teachers also feel a sense of
fulfilment when they see them to be
successful in their lives. Moreover,
interacting with the learners makes
teachers feel young at heart because they
get updated with new terminologies,
expressions, fads, fashions, and crazes in
the society.

5. Love of the subject matter

➢ Teachers teaching different
learning areas have a deeper
understanding, appreciation, and love for
their fields of specialization. They become
passionate of the subject matter and the
concepts they teach thus, they are more
likely to form basic advocacies in life.

UNESCO’s 4 Pillars of Education