How should you dress to do your job??
It’s a question that I get asked both by teachers and by Headteachers wanting to know just what is appropriate.
Let me start by saying there are no hard and fast set rules….so this means that it is either up to the school to set the parameters or it is up to you.
So what sort of things do you need to consider when planning your “outfit?”
- Your clothing should be appropriate to the work you are doing.
- You should be comfortable.
- It should not be too “expensive” as you are in a child friendly area – and as you know anything can happen…so don’t wear your best stuff!
- You are a professional person.
Just a few broad areas to mention – all common sense but lets get them written down.
Casual clothing and Jeans
For me this is a NO – why do I say this?
You are now working in a professional role and professional environment and your clothing should reflect this. Your appearance DOES get noticed by parents and it is important that they see you as the professional teacher who is in charge of their child’s learning. If you dress down in jeans and T shirts (for men) then your appearance diminishes your perceived professional approach, in the eyes of your parents, and in turn their attitude towards you will change – however slightly. Parents do not want to see someone who looks like they are going out for the night or walking into town at the weekend – what they do want is a professional looking and business like teacher who is educating their child.
This is also reflected with the children. There are a section of teachers who are under the mistaken impression that they should be “friends” with the children in their class. I will write about this in another article because its a poor route to choose. Right from the word go you have to maintain the teacher / child / class balance correctly in your classroom. This, as you know, permeates everything you do and how you dress is part of this process. If you dress like someone’s big sister or brother (which you may well be !) then you will get treated like that and the balance becomes lost.
Trainers
Another NO from me – unless you have P.E or games on that day then you should not, in my opinion, be wearing trainers. Yes I realise that you are on your feet all day, and yes I know they are comfortable…..postmen and women wear them! But for general everyday use they are not applicable. They are too casual and create the wrong impression as we have mentioned.
In winter months then a change of footwear is appropriate of course, as in the summer months, but there are plenty of footwear choices that you can buy that will serve the purpose.
What to consider when buying teaching clothes?
- They should be comfortable to wear.
- They should be appropriate – so avoid fashion statements and items of clothing that you may wear to nights out !
- They should be easily washed or cleaned as they will get dirty very quickly with everything you have to do. Just be glad that chalk boards are not in classes any more – all your clothing became impregnated with chalk dust….!
- Denim is really a no go area for anything.
- Make sure they are warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Have coats that are appropriate for each season – including emergency playground duties.
School policy
Schools will often have a dress code for staff and if you are unsure then go ahead and ask – it is far less embarrassing to ask than to be told by the Headteacher that what you have chosen is not acceptable. Dress codes are generally pretty easy going, but do check, and yes expect to be told if you overstep…this will come from the Headteacher but it may be filtered through another member of staff to soften the blow!
Ties for men?
This really is no longer a necessity – depending on your role in school you may or may not feel it is appropriate. As a Headteacher I used to always wear a tie unless it was oppressively hot in summer – but as a teacher it is not necessary. In summer a good switch is towards polo shirts which are smart , casual and cool….in a heat sense unless you choose chameleon type colours!
Summing up – The way you dress at school does have an impact – don’t forget you are a highly regarded professional and the way you dress should reflect this. If you dress down then you will find that both parents and children regard you in this way and your position and influence is slightly diminished.
Be Practical – be comfortable – be Professional
yours in fashion !
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Charles