Personal character and tomorrow's citizens: Student expectations of their teachers

Research evidence from UK primary and secondary schools suggests that students expect teachers to engage in character development and values education and that this assists in their holistic learning. This article is based on a major UK research study which indicates that explicit and implicit attention to values in schools is positively welcomed by students. Students of all ages believe that the teacher can make a difference in contributing to their personal moral development. According to the students in this study, a successful values education program relies on the teacher as model and mentor, as well as pedagogue. This article considers the role of teachers on the character development of young people aged 10–19, largely based on the perceptions of over 5000 students in England. The data includes documentary analysis, interviews and surveys with teachers and students.

► This paper explores the nature and extent of teacher influence on primary and secondary school students’ character development.
► It draws on extensive interview and survey data gathered as part of a major empirical study in moral education.
► It argues that moral values and norms constitute an inescapable part of teaching and citizenship.
► The paper concludes by endorsing the view that teachers can serve an exemplary function and may be viewed as representatives of moral values in the classroom.