Teacher: An Image of Dignity

Grace M. Santos

Teachers play a vital role in the teaching-learning process for they served as loco-parentis among their students. Sometimes the phrase “Jack of all trades” is being associated to their profession because of their ability to perform various tasks as a teacher. To truly carry out the manifestation of this phrase, a teacher must consider the fact of making his/herself presentable at all times since these are considered as role models to their students even on their mode of dressing and personal grooming appearance. What the teacher wears and how he or she carries him/herself will have a strong impact on the students. A well-dressed teacher acquires respect and courtesy not only from his/her classes but also his/her fellow workers. Dressing creates a first impression – a notion that yields positive feedbacks from the eyes of the beholder and added more to the self -esteem of a teacher to strive more in his/her chosen path.

A female public school teacher once attests an incident regarding her pupil that mimics not only her mode of dressing but also her hairstyle. From that situation, the concerned teacher strengthens her will to keep her looks respectable and decently every now and then just to depict a good image from her student. Therefore, its very vital for teachers to use suitable attire, maintain a well presented selfimage for somehow it inspires others to the same as well.

Likewise, teachers set an example in dressing and grooming appearance for their students to follow. A teacher who understands this concept and adheres to it enlarges the importance of his/her task, presents an image of dignity and encourages respect for authority. These factors act in a positive manner towards the maintenance of classroom discipline.

--oOo-

The author Teacher III at Paguiruan Elementary School