In this essay, I take up the old and still controversial question of whether and to what extent teachers should be considered role models (e.g., Oelkers, 2019; Schütte & Nielsen-Sikora, 2023), and discuss it with reference to the concept of pedagogical tact. I advance two propositions: first, … 
role model
role models and understandings of the human being
Role models are important.[1. I’m indebted to the two anonymous reviewers whose remarks helped to improve this paper.] From the very beginning of our existence, we are surrounded by people – our parents, siblings, relatives, nurses, teachers, etc. – whom we imitate and emulate. And by doing exactly …