THE ROLE OF INTEGRITY IN TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS: PREPARING FUTURE EDUCATORS FOR ETHICAL CHALLENGES

Abstract

Integrity is a fundamental principle that significantly influences the educational landscape, impacting the relationships among students, educators, and the broader community. This paper explores the importance of integrity in education by examining its role in fostering trust, enhancing academic outcomes, promoting ethical behaviour, and preparing students for future challenges. It highlights that integrity cultivates a culture of collaboration, supports effective learning environments, and informs students' moral compasses. Furthermore, the discussion addresses the challenges faced by educational institutions in promoting integrity, such as resource limitations and diverse ethical perspectives. Strategies for enhancing integrity, including curriculum integration, the establishment of ethical codes, and open dialogue, are proposed as practical methods to ensure a commitment to ethical standards within educational practices. Ultimately, the paper argues that fostering integrity is essential not only for individual student development but also for the overall well-being of society, emphasizing the shared responsibility of educators, administrators, and communities in creating an environment that values and promotes ethical behaviour