VIGNETTE. 15. MODELLING
I don’t believe that we can over estimate the importance of teachers modelling for students. This goes for primary and secondary students.
In some contexts teaching is regarded as being a profession in which one group (teachers) tells the other group (students) what to do and how it should be done. This of course is rather simplistic definition of teaching and learning processes. It hardly examples the interaction and togetherness that ideally embraces teachers and pupils in teaching/learning contexts.
One of the very important aspects of the leadership offered by teachers is the modelling they do through their own personal example and conduct. Students being young look to and emulate teachers and others. An example of this is the children often tell the parents that particular viewpoint is right because it is what the teacher thinks, therefor it must be right.
Without being prescriptive in anyway, I believe that modelling extends to include the following:
Dress standards
Speech patterns and modelling – setting a bright example free speech and vocalisation.
Punctuality
Showing respect.
Handwriting, including in students books and on whiteboards.
Correct spelling and accuracy in word usage.
He This list could go on, but I’m sure you get the drift. Teachers deal with the development of people. It’s as we do and how we are that is so important to those we teach and shape toward being the adults of tomorrow.
EDUCATION, A LIFE FORCE 
You are absolutely right. As a parent that was very involved when my kids were in school, the teacher (and school staff) sometimes were the only positive examples in a child’s life. There were some cases where the environment at home was far from ideal.
Sadly, that seems to be more and more the case, with it seems, parents of too many children placing the priority of their responsibilities well down the list of ‘important things to do’.