ASSIGNMENT 7
DUE DATE:27 OCTOBER 2025
,BPT1501 ASSIGNMENT 7 2025’
DUE 27 OCTOBER 2025
QUESTION 1: Professional Teacher
1.1 The Teacher as a Professional (20 marks)
Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow.
Scenario: Mr Dlamini was a seasoned Life Sciences teacher at a well-resourced
high school in a semi-urban area. He had a reputation for being knowledgeable
and passionate about
A. In your own understanding, briefly define ‘professional educator’ in an
educational context.
A. Definition of a Professional Educator
A professional educator is a qualified, registered teacher who demonstrates
competence, integrity, and commitment to ethical teaching practices while promoting
learners’ holistic development. According to the South African Council for Educators
(SACE) Act No. 31 of 2000, all teachers are required to uphold the SACE Code of
Professional Ethics, which emphasizes responsibility, accountability, and care in
teaching (SACE, 2000).
A professional teacher is reflective, ethical, and caring, making decisions that prioritize
learners’ welfare and educational success (Petersen & Osman, 2013:33).
, B. Instances Where Mr Dlamini Demonstrated Professionalism
1. Offering after-school tutoring sessions
Mr Dlamini voluntarily stayed after school to help struggling learners prepare for exams.
This shows commitment to learner success and care, reflecting the “ethic of care”
described by Noddings (1998:23). He placed learners’ academic needs before his own
time, demonstrating dedication and compassion, traits central to professional teaching.
2. Developing interactive learning materials
He created innovative learning materials that improved engagement and were later
adopted by the department. This demonstrates professional competence and
innovation, fulfilling his responsibility to use creative teaching methods that enhance
learning outcomes (SACE Code of Ethics, Section 3.1).
3. Organizing parents’ meetings
Mr Dlamini’s effort to involve parents in learners’ academic progress aligns with the
SACE Code of Ethics, which encourages collaboration with parents and guardians. This
act promotes shared responsibility and transparency in learners’ development (SACE,
2000).
C. Instances Where Mr Dlamini Acted Unprofessionally