Teacher Professionalism and Nigeria's National Development

Teacher professionalism is the driving force for educational improvement and national development, particularly now that the education system is riddled with so many challenges and conflicting pressures. Investing in teacher professional development is one way that a nation’s educational system can improve, and by doing so, ensure that students receive the high-quality teaching they need to succeed. The paper defines who a teacher is and discusses the concept of profession and professionalism, as well as the concept of national development. Teacher professionalism was further conceptualized as a composite of three domains –professional ethics, professional behaviour and professional accountability. Furthermore, the qualities of a professional teacher were highlighted and the relationship between teacher professionalism and national development were discussed. It is therefore recommended amongst others that Policy makers should re-organize and revamp the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and make it more proactive in enforcing the code of ethics and standard of the teaching profession.

Key words: Development, national, profession, professionalism, teacher