Most teachers have changed the way they act in their personal life to protect their image within the classroom, new figures have revealed. 59 per cent of teachers, who responded to a survey by the Teacher Support Network and Teacher Support Cymru, confirmed that they had adapted their behaviour outside of the school, because they thought it would impact on their role within school. 55 per cent of respondents disagreed the way a teacher acts outside of school should have no impact on their role within school.

"It is inevitable one will meet, or merely be seen by, pupils / colleagues from work while at large, say at the supermarket, and it seems reasonable to be conscious always of the image one puts across," explained one teacher. "I would not even consider acting inappropriately. If I am expecting young people to respect me, I offer something for them to respect," added another.

Only 2 per cent of teachers that responded said they had ever actually been reprimanded for their actions outside of school, however.

"I once corrected a child in the street for jumping on top of a colleague's car. I was reprimanded for this action," admitted one respondent. "I was in between homes and was living in a mobile home. The headteacher of my school at the time, told me it was not correct, professional or a good impression to give," recalled another.

79 per cent of the teachers that responded to the self -selecting survey felt that the media did not present a positive image of teachers. Just over a quarter (26 per cent) believed that more positive media coverage could help improve the public perception of teachers, while another quarter (23 per cent) thought publicity campaigns to raise awareness of teachers' good work were necessary.

Respondents also thought that more powers over behaviour in the school community (18 per cent), higher wages (12 per cent) and tougher entry requirements would improve the perception of teachers.

The survey was commissioned following a series of media reports about teachers whose personal lives had impacted upon their professional lives, and after the negative press coverage ahead of the strike action over pensions.

What do you think? Tell us in our discussion forum here.

To get our Chief Executive Julian Stanley's perspective, you can read his SecEd column here.

Or find out what Year 12 student Nathaniel thinks here.