2025
BPT1501
EXAM PACK
2025
UNISA EXAM
,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
, 1. Using isiZulu in an English-medium classroom
Mr Dlamini disregarded the school’s language policy by teaching in isiZulu. This
excluded learners who did not understand the language and created inequality in
learning opportunities. This action violates the SACE Code of Ethics, which requires
teachers to respect school policies and ensure fair access to learning for all learners.
2. Failing to submit safety forms for the excursion
His negligence in submitting safety forms and briefing learners on conduct during the
trip endangered learners’ safety. This reflects carelessness and lack of accountability,
contradicting the ethical duty of teachers to protect learners’ welfare (SACE Code,
Section 3.5).
3. Disrespecting colleagues
Mr Dlamini interrupted colleagues and made sarcastic remarks during meetings. This
unprofessional behavior shows a lack of collegial respect and cooperation, violating the
SACE Code, which requires teachers to maintain respectful, professional relationships
with peers.
D. Solutions to Address Mr Dlamini’s Unprofessional Conduct (According to
SACE)
BPT1501
EXAM PACK
2025
UNISA EXAM
,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
, 1. Using isiZulu in an English-medium classroom
Mr Dlamini disregarded the school’s language policy by teaching in isiZulu. This
excluded learners who did not understand the language and created inequality in
learning opportunities. This action violates the SACE Code of Ethics, which requires
teachers to respect school policies and ensure fair access to learning for all learners.
2. Failing to submit safety forms for the excursion
His negligence in submitting safety forms and briefing learners on conduct during the
trip endangered learners’ safety. This reflects carelessness and lack of accountability,
contradicting the ethical duty of teachers to protect learners’ welfare (SACE Code,
Section 3.5).
3. Disrespecting colleagues
Mr Dlamini interrupted colleagues and made sarcastic remarks during meetings. This
unprofessional behavior shows a lack of collegial respect and cooperation, violating the
SACE Code, which requires teachers to maintain respectful, professional relationships
with peers.
D. Solutions to Address Mr Dlamini’s Unprofessional Conduct (According to
SACE)
