BPT1501
Assignment 2
Semester 2 2025
Due Year 2025
, BPT1501
Assignment 2
Semester 2 2025
Due Year 2025
The Teacher as a Professional
Question 1: Definition of a Professional Teacher
Definition
According to the South African Council for Educators (SACE), a professional teacher is
an educator who possesses the appropriate qualifications, is registered with SACE,
upholds the SACE Code of Professional Ethics, accepts accountability for professional
judgments, participates in continuous professional development, and maintains high
ethical standards in all professional relationships and responsibilities. This includes
demonstrating respect for learners’ dignity, promoting human rights, and contributing to
the integrity of the profession and the quality of education in South Africa.
Stance
I agree with this definition because it captures the multidimensional role of a teacher as
an ethical, competent, and accountable professional who serves both education and
broader societal values.
Supporting Reasons from the SACE Code of Professional Ethics
Firstly, the Code emphasises that educators must “acknowledge the noble calling of
their profession to educate and train the learners of our country” and “acknowledge,
uphold and promote basic human rights, as embodied in the Constitution of South
Africa” (Sections 2.1, 2.3). This aligns with the definition’s stress on quality education
and constitutional values, positioning teachers as role models for their learners.
Secondly, the Code requires educators to “behave in a way that enhances the dignity
and status of the teaching profession” and to “keep abreast of educational trends and
Assignment 2
Semester 2 2025
Due Year 2025
, BPT1501
Assignment 2
Semester 2 2025
Due Year 2025
The Teacher as a Professional
Question 1: Definition of a Professional Teacher
Definition
According to the South African Council for Educators (SACE), a professional teacher is
an educator who possesses the appropriate qualifications, is registered with SACE,
upholds the SACE Code of Professional Ethics, accepts accountability for professional
judgments, participates in continuous professional development, and maintains high
ethical standards in all professional relationships and responsibilities. This includes
demonstrating respect for learners’ dignity, promoting human rights, and contributing to
the integrity of the profession and the quality of education in South Africa.
Stance
I agree with this definition because it captures the multidimensional role of a teacher as
an ethical, competent, and accountable professional who serves both education and
broader societal values.
Supporting Reasons from the SACE Code of Professional Ethics
Firstly, the Code emphasises that educators must “acknowledge the noble calling of
their profession to educate and train the learners of our country” and “acknowledge,
uphold and promote basic human rights, as embodied in the Constitution of South
Africa” (Sections 2.1, 2.3). This aligns with the definition’s stress on quality education
and constitutional values, positioning teachers as role models for their learners.
Secondly, the Code requires educators to “behave in a way that enhances the dignity
and status of the teaching profession” and to “keep abreast of educational trends and
