Professional Integrity Among Pre-Service Teachers During Teaching Practice: Experience from School Leaders in Misungwi District, Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigated lived experiences among school leaders about pre-service teachers' professional integrity during the teaching practice in Misungwi District. Narrative interview was used to collect the data. Fifteen (15) school leaders were purposively selected from 5 secondary schools that accommodated pre-service teachers to do the teaching practice in 2018. The narrative qualitative data analysis was employed in data analysis. The results indicated that school leaders experienced a number of professional misconducts which include the prevalence of sexual violence, disobedience to the dressing code, absenteeism and professional incompetence. The prevalence of these misconducts among pre-service teachers were attributed to a number of factors which include lack of awareness, inappropriate conduct among school-based teachers who are expected to be role models, ineffective working environment, lack of commitment and lack of volunteerism spirit. The study outlines possible strategies to enhance pre-service teachers' professional integrity, such as upgrading the school curriculum to reflect sexual education, instilling the culture of collegiality and volunteerism. Furthermore, the study recommends for a shared national dialogue on effective strategies to enhance teachers' professional integrity.

The Factors Affecting Teachers’ Readiness In Developing Science Concept Assessment Through Inquiry-Based Learning Process In Elementary Schools

“…In general, elementary school teacher' responses to role of school principals/ supervisors/ assessors/ peers to support teachers' readiness in developing assessment tools to measure the science concept mastery through inquiry-based learning processes in elementary schools can be seen in Figure 5. Elementary school teachers stated that school principals, supervisors, colleagues from both the same elementary school and peers from different elementary schools has a role for them to improve their abilities even though it is not optimum yet (Ndibalema, 2019). The interaction between teachers and peers in the TWG is very useful to develop their abilities so that they can carry out assessments to measure the mastery of the concept of inquiry-based science in elementary schools (Reddy, Glover, Kurz, & Elliott, 2019).…”

Usability of Warnings by Heads of Schools in Enhancing Teacher Discipline in Public Secondary Schools in Biharamulo District, Tanzania

“…The issue of teachers' indiscipline cases is still prevailing in Tanzanian secondary schools, despite the efforts made by the governments through TSC departments and the heads of schools by issuing warnings to the teachers who were involved in misconduct (Betweli, 2020;Ndibalema, 2019). The usefulness of warnings issued by school administrators is called into question by this.…”

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“…Professional misconducts among teachers are their acts of behaviour that affects effective teaching, learning and administration of the school (Teder & Mikser, 2019). The most common teachers' professional misconducts include verbal abuse, teachers' moonlighting, absenteeism, private tuition, examination leakage, unethical dressing, sexual abuse, corruption and drunkenness (Ndibalema, 2019;Betweli, 2020;Kiziltepe et al 2020;Wilke et al, 2021). These are serious threats to all levels of our educational system, since teachers are the expected professionals, trusted with the obligation to consider preserve the future and destiny of the nation.…”