The Image of the Teachers from the Pre-Service Students’ Perspective

Abstract

This study endeavors at identifying the perspective of the preservice students on the image of the teachers, what does this show about the professional and personal qualities of the teachers in the Philippines, and how these affect their teaching success. Different images are perceived by the students, and these say something about the teachers’ profession. The images emerge from the students’ interaction with the teachers in the process of teaching and learning. The researcher facilitated a “draw a teacher activity” which sought to determine their view of a teacher physically and conducted an unstructured interview in a focus group discussion. It was revealed that the participants characterized the image of their teachers in terms of physical appearance and personal qualities such as wearing eyeglasses, being neat, presentable, understanding, passionate, and kind. Furthermore, differentiation was made on the teacher’s gender, wherein the participants see their teachers as women with motherly care. Considerably, a teacher is also seen with good moral character and someone who abides with the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers. The image of a teacher is based on the interaction and their engagements in the school community and other stakeholders. A person’s professional and personal qualities affect and determine the kind of teacher he or she will be and the effect that this will make onto their students’ life. As the profession demands above standard qualification and effectiveness, the reality of the teachers in the Philippines is evident in the image, perspective, and students’ success in school.