School Teachers as Non-Violent Role Models

For a long time in South Africa, schools have relied heavily on corporal punishment as a means to bring law and order in the classroom. This culture of using violence has bred angry and militant children who are not afraid to stand tall and defiant of the teachers meting out this punishment. This chapter will challenge teachers to view the traditional way of using violence to restrain children against viewing new ways in which they can become role models where distressed learners can receive care and support. It will also show the benefits of a caring teacher as it adds to emotional wellbeing and social wellbeing of children which are important in the total outcomes of all children. This chapter will provide teachers with useful knowledge encouraging positive role modelling which fosters positive imitation by children. It is evident that environmental factors and interpersonal relationships will play a big role in achieving this goal; therefore, Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory will play a pivotal role in defining the role of the teacher.