My Blog for Educators

Integrity is an essential quality that is crucial to have. A life without integrity is insignificant and lacks meaningful purpose. Integrity is a fundamental force in personal life, family, organizations, and society as a whole. In the Cambridge Dictionary, integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change. This is a trait admired in all aspects of life.

I perceive integrity as being godly and Christ-like in all our endeavors, where words and actions align rather than diverge. A life of integrity is as strong as a lion yet gentle as a dove. It is not associated with disrespect, dishonesty, harassment, insults, division, racism, or conflict. It encompasses love, honesty, respect, responsibility, teachability, temperance, humility, hard work, empathy, kindness, awareness, trustworthiness, uprightness, gratitude, discipline, consistency in words and actions, and more.

Now, let's consider the integrity of teachers and why it is important. Having been a teacher for a long time, I have witnessed the impact of teachers on their students and the entire teaching and learning community, both positively and negatively. Teachers serve as role models, and it is crucial to consider the behaviours and values they are modelling.

What is teacher integrity? This refers to the values and ethical principles that guide a teacher’s professional conduct. A teacher living a life of integrity must reflect that in his or her practice without a doubt because what you have is what you will give.

are:

Honesty, fairness, and accountability- A teacher with integrity should be able to provide truthful information to the members of the academic community; learners, parents, and the school. Teachers must give accurate scores, meaning that grading must be transparent. No teacher is allowed to deflate or inflate scores in favour of a learner at the expense of another. Learners must be treated uniquely with equal opportunities to succeed without victimization. Dialogue and the promotion of a sense of belonging are also essential. A teacher with integrity takes responsibility for his or her actions, ensuring that he or she acts positively, knowing that positive and negative actions result in positive and negative consequences.

Academic integrity: A teacher who possesses integrity values and upholds academic honesty. They prioritize the integrity of the profession and view it as an honor to do so. A teacher with integrity understands that the role of a teacher is larger than the individual and must be safeguarded.

Teachers with integrity should foster an environment of respect, embracing diversity and recognizing different learning styles. They should also prioritize hard work and commitment, understanding that success is a result of sustained effort and dedication. These values enable teachers to continuously improve their skills and better serve the teaching and learning community

As a teacher, it is essential to prioritize personal and professional development as a matter of urgency. Change is constant, and therefore, personal and professional growth should never be postponed. In John C. Maxwell’s book "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth page 11, line 12, it is stated,

I fully agree that it is indeed a trap that should be avoided. Teachers with integrity should have a strong commitment to lifelong learning as it leads to self-awareness and ultimately, greatness. It is important to attend seminars, workshops, and even consider going back to school if necessary. Teacher integrity allows for the continuous need for personal and professional growth.

A disciplined life reflects a teacher’s integrity, as Jim Rohn said, “

Discipline helps a teacher to set boundaries to actions, knowing the right thing to do, how and when to do it. It involves a controlled character, discipline in thoughts, words, and actions. It is a conscious effort to train oneself to do good. A life of discipline saves one from trouble.

Reflection, or reflective practice, is an important growth mindset activity that reflects teacher integrity. It is only in the atmosphere of integrity that a teacher can pause for a moment to evaluate actions, make necessary amendments, and improve. When teachers purposefully reflect, it helps them to think meaningfully to positively inform their actions and practices. Find a suitable positive thinking place for yourself for significant improvement in your profession and life as a whole.

Building a positive school culture requires strong teacher integrity as it has a significant impact on education and promotes trust from all members of the teaching and learning community: learners, parents, and the school. So, embrace integrity if you don’t have it.