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August 17, 2025Open Access

Behind the Four Walls: Unveiling Classroom Teachers' Ethical Dilemmas in Teaching

Key Points

Teachers face complex ethical dilemmas, navigating tensions between institutional policies and personal values.
The study identified five key themes around ethics, including reflective and value-based decision-making strategies.
In-depth interviews with five secondary school teachers highlighted the importance of peer support and collaboration in ethical choices.
Recommendations include developing ethical guidelines and structured training to empower teachers in their decision-making.

Abstract

This transcendental phenomenological study investigated the ethical dilemmas experienced by five secondary school teachers in Banga, South Cotabato. In-depth interviews explored how educators navigate moral tensions between institutional policy, personal values, and student needs. Thematic analysis revealed five core themes: Balancing Fairness with Compassion; Upholding Institutional Policy versus Personal Values; Reflective and Value Based Decision Making; Collaborative Resolution and Collegial Advice; and Institutional Support and Ethical Frameworks. The findings show that teachers rely on self reflection, empathetic reasoning, and peer support when formal policies fall short of addressing the complexities of classroom ethics. The study recommends that schools develop context sensitive ethical guidelines, provide structured ethics training, and foster peer consultation spaces to empower teachers in ethical decision making. Keywords: Ethical Dilemmas; Moral Decision Making; Educational Ethics; Reflective Practice; Teacher Support

Behind the Four Walls: Unveiling Classroom Teachers' Ethical Dilemmas in Teaching

Key Points

Abstract

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