, QUESTION 1: THE TEACHER AS A PROFESSIONAL [20]
1.1 Definition of a professional teacher [2]
A professional teacher is an educator who demonstrates appropriate knowledge, skills, ethics, and
attitudes while carrying out teaching responsibilities effectively. A professional teacher acts in the
best interests of learners, follows school policies, maintains discipline, and continuously improves
their teaching practice (South African Council for Educators [SACE], 2018).
1.2 THREE professional roles Thandi fails to fulfill [6]
1. Curriculum and learning mediator
Teachers are expected to plan and present lessons effectively while ensuring that learners
understand the subject content. Thandi fails in this role because she lacks sufficient subject
knowledge, resulting in unfinished lessons and a high learner failure rate (Department of Education,
2000).
2. Classroom manager and caregiver
A professional teacher must supervise learners and maintain a safe, orderly classroom environment.
Thandi leaves learners unattended while taking phone calls, which leads to disorderly classrooms
and poor learner discipline. This behavior places learners at risk and shows neglect of professional
duties (SACE, 2018).
3. Assessor and disciplinary role model
Teachers should assess learners fairly and follow proper disciplinary procedures. Thandi overloaded
learners with many assessment tasks at once and removed a disruptive learner from class without
following the school’s disciplinary policy. This reflects poor judgment and lack of professionalism
(Department of Basic Education, 2015).
1.3 THREE challenges faced by teachers that may contribute to unprofessional conduct [6]
1. Lack of subject knowledge and training
Some teachers may not receive enough training or professional development, which affects their
confidence and teaching effectiveness.
2. Stress and workload pressure
Teachers often experience pressure from large workloads, assessment demands, and classroom
management responsibilities, which may lead to frustration and poor decision-making.
3. Learner discipline problems
Continuous disruptive behavior from learners can create stress for teachers and negatively affect
classroom management and teaching quality.
1.1 Definition of a professional teacher [2]
A professional teacher is an educator who demonstrates appropriate knowledge, skills, ethics, and
attitudes while carrying out teaching responsibilities effectively. A professional teacher acts in the
best interests of learners, follows school policies, maintains discipline, and continuously improves
their teaching practice (South African Council for Educators [SACE], 2018).
1.2 THREE professional roles Thandi fails to fulfill [6]
1. Curriculum and learning mediator
Teachers are expected to plan and present lessons effectively while ensuring that learners
understand the subject content. Thandi fails in this role because she lacks sufficient subject
knowledge, resulting in unfinished lessons and a high learner failure rate (Department of Education,
2000).
2. Classroom manager and caregiver
A professional teacher must supervise learners and maintain a safe, orderly classroom environment.
Thandi leaves learners unattended while taking phone calls, which leads to disorderly classrooms
and poor learner discipline. This behavior places learners at risk and shows neglect of professional
duties (SACE, 2018).
3. Assessor and disciplinary role model
Teachers should assess learners fairly and follow proper disciplinary procedures. Thandi overloaded
learners with many assessment tasks at once and removed a disruptive learner from class without
following the school’s disciplinary policy. This reflects poor judgment and lack of professionalism
(Department of Basic Education, 2015).
1.3 THREE challenges faced by teachers that may contribute to unprofessional conduct [6]
1. Lack of subject knowledge and training
Some teachers may not receive enough training or professional development, which affects their
confidence and teaching effectiveness.
2. Stress and workload pressure
Teachers often experience pressure from large workloads, assessment demands, and classroom
management responsibilities, which may lead to frustration and poor decision-making.
3. Learner discipline problems
Continuous disruptive behavior from learners can create stress for teachers and negatively affect
classroom management and teaching quality.
