Our society is changing rapidly, while education becomes more and more important amid educational reforms and policy changes. Under such circumstances, this study was aimed at surveying teachers about their perceptions of the job ethics and thereupon,...
Our society is changing rapidly, while education becomes more and more important amid educational reforms and policy changes. Under such circumstances, this study was aimed at surveying teachers about their perceptions of the job ethics and thereupon, providing the policy-makers with some data useful to help our teachers improve their quality and roles and thereby, recover teachers' authority and rights. To this end, "Korea Teachers' Job Ethics" adopted and published by Korea Education Federation, a forerunner of Korea Teachers Associations Federation on September 19, 1958 was reviewed, and thereupon, teachers were surveyed for their perception of job ethics. Their perceptions of job ethics were analyzed in the following terms;
First, teachers' perceptions of job ethics for the students were analyzed.
- Teachers are obliged to help students nurture a decent personality and spirit of freedom through a democratic life and therewith, devote themselves to nation and society.
Second, teachers' perceptions of job ethics for home were analyzed.
- Teachers are obliged to cooperate with parents to help children grow sound.
Third, teachers perceptions of job ethics for the society were analyzed.
- Teachers should play a core role in cooperation between school and community in a friendly way.
Fourth, teachers' perceptions of job ethics itself were analyzed.
- Teachers should recognize the authority and importance of their job and therefor, should be faithful to the job.
Fifth, teachers' perceptions of job ethics in terms of culture were analyzed.
- Teachers must be models for the people as well as mirrors for the students.
Sixth, teachers' perceptions of job ethics were measured by not dividing them into levels of awareness and practices but comprehensively.
As a result of the survey, it was found that teachers' perceptions of job ethics were relatively higher. Female teachers and ordinary teachers perceived their job ethics more positively than male and head teachers, respectively. On the other hand, the longer a teacher's career was, his or her perception of job ethics was higher. Job ethics was perceived highest by middle school teachers, followed by elementary and high school teachers in their order. However, teachers' perceptions of job ethics for home were relatively lower, which suggests that our teachers should cooperate with parents more positively by communicating with them regarding educational guidelines and students' development, while encouraging them to more positively participate in school operation committee. In addition, younger teachers are urged to enhance their job ethics. Lastly, it is deemed necessary to survey high school teachers in-depth and take appropriate measures to enhance their job ethics because their job ethics was found lowest.