American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

Issue: February2008

Teachers as Role Models Teaching Character and Moral Virtues
Angela Lumpkin

Abstract:
Because of teachers’ influential role in the life of young people, the public generally expects teachers to display behaviors reflective of moral virtues, such as fairness and honesty, and to adhere to professional codes of conduct. Young people today read about and see dishonesty, corruption, lying, stealing, and cheating as ways to get ahead in life, and many youths adopt these behaviors in various settings, including in sport and physical education settings. Students need lessons that teach and model just the opposite, and teachers can and should serve as role models who teach character and moral virtues. This article discusses how this can be accomplished through setting a good example and by teaching students about integrity and moral reasoning

Article category: Youth Development