International Teacher Education Conference 2014 1

International Teacher Education Conference 2014
21 st Century Teacher Image to Stakeholders of Teacher Education Institutions in
the Philippines
Marilyn U. Balagtas a Maria Ruth M. Regalado b Carmelina E. Barrera c
Ramer V. Oxiño d Rosarito T. Suatengco e Josephine E. Tondo f*
a b c d e f
Philippine Normal University, Manila
Abstract
This study presents the perceptions of the students and teachers from kindergarten to tertiary level of the image
of the 21 st century teacher to provide basis in designing teacher development programs in Teacher Education
Institutions (TEIs) in the Philippines. The highlights of the report are the personal, psychosocial, and
professional images of the 21 st century teacher in basic education and the teacher educators based on a survey
done to 612 internal stakeholders of nine member institutions of the National Network of Normal Schools (3NS).
Data were obtained through the use of a validated researcher-made instrument which allowed generation of both
quantitative and qualitative descriptions of the teacher image. Through the use of descriptive statistics, the
common images of the teacher were drawn, which were validated and enriched by the information drawn from
the qualitative data. The study recommends a repertoire of teacher development programs to create the good
image of the 21 st century teachers for a better Philippines.
Keywords: Teacher image, 21st century teacher, teacher education, development program
INTRODUCTION
Teaching is viewed as the noblest profession in the world. It produces all other professions one could think
of. According to Rand (cited in Wayant, 2003), teaching is one of the most crucial, responsible, and important
professions since it requires communicating knowledge and guiding of the intellectual development of the
human beings. Rand added that the purpose of teaching is the communication and spread of the right ideas and
intellectual values, which means the creation of culture. Teachers can then help create a good culture particularly
in the school, which is hoped to influence the home of their students and the society where they also belong. As
explained by Zwell (2000), a successful culture provides an avenue for highly competent individuals to be
engaged, challenged, and motivated to exercise their talents and impact their organization.
At the helm of the teaching profession are the teachers. In the Philippines, teachers in the Republic Act No.
9155 are referred to as “persons engaged in teaching at the elementary and secondary levels, whether on fulltime
or part-time basis including industrial arts and vocational teachers and all other persons performing
supervisory, managerial and/or administrative functions in all schools and education offices at the district,
division, regional and central levels and qualified to practice teaching under RA 7836 and/or those performing
functions in support of education such as standards setting, policy and programs formulation, research and sector
monitoring and evaluation” (DepEd, 2014 ). In the Republic Act 10533 or the K to 12 Law, the term teacher
already includes those handling kindergarten (DepEd, 2013). Moreover, the Code of Ethics for Professional
Teachers of the Philippines (Resolution Act No. 435, 1997) describes teachers as duly licensed professionals
who posses dignity and reputation with high moral as well as technical and professional competence (DepEd,
2014).
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Teachers, in general, are respected for their image as the source of information and facilitator of one’s
intellectual development. As Cage (cited in Wayant, 2003) explained, teachers make a difference in each child’s
life and affect each family and the future of every one. Given this responsibility of teachers, their preparation or
formation, which is a responsibility of Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) is critical.
Teachers, however, could have different images as viewed by different generations of learners from varied
contexts. Traditionally, in the Filipino context, teachers are seen as straight, firm, and dignified who wear big
eye glasses and A-cut skirt. Intellectually, some would say “mag-teacher ka na lang (just be a teacher)” if one is
E-mail address: balagtas.mu@pnu.edu.ph, regalado.mrm@pnu.edu.ph, carmelina_barrerra@yahoo.com.ph, jemroy_oxine@yahoo.com.ph,
suatengco.rt@pnu.edu.ph, tondo.je@pnu.edu.ph
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