 Essential role of an EFL teacher, role model. Teachers typically do not think of themselves as role models, however inadvertently they are. Students spend a great deal of time with their teacher, and therefore the teacher becomes a role model to them. This can be a positive or negative effect depending on the teacher. Teachers are there not only to teach the children, but also to love and care for them. Teachers are typically highly respected by people in the community, and therefore become a role model to students and parents.