TAMBORINE teacher Wendy Emerson believes a professional oath would do little to enhance public opinion of teachers.
Under changes the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) proposed last week, teachers would take an oath pledging to work "in the best interests" of students at the beginning of their careers.
QCT director John Ryan said such an oath, similar to those taken by doctors, police and lawyers could boost public confidence in teachers.
"It's about reminding people about the really important responsibilities (teachers) have to our future society," Mr Ryan said.
But Ms Emerson, who has also worked as a parent teacher liaison officer locally, said improving the profile of the profession would take more than words.
"I agree teachers should be more respected and an oath would encourage (graduates) to take their role seriously," Ms Emerson said.
"But I don't think it would do that (boost social opinion).
"There is a divide today between what teachers do and what parents and society think they should do."
Ms Emerson said parents now had a lot more power over teachers than when she started teaching 30 years ago.
"I've sat in meetings to back up teachers where parents wanted them removed for being 'too strict'," she said.
"They (parents) are ruling the roost."
Jimboomba State School teacher and QTU Gugingin branch president Maureen MacNamara also doubted the usefulness of an oath.
"Teachers do work under a code of conduct, we don't just do a job, we work very hard with the children," she said.
"Politicians take an oath too, an oath is not a guarantee."
