Dressed to Teach
By W. Glenn Walker

Have you ever been shocked by other people’s clothes or the lack thereof that you observe when at school? Do you wonder what has become of decent dress standards? Even while sitting in the teachers’ lounge?

Some secondary schools require students to wear uniforms, and all have some sort of standard dress code. And like industry, school systems also have established professional dress standards for instructors and staff. Certainly, the image portrayed by a school employee often leaves a lasting impression on visitors. The way we dress as teachers also leaves an impression on our students. It is important to the educational process that these impressions are positive ones.

Local boards of education provide guidelines on the way personnel are expected to dress. From a general statement of dress code, the guidelines are likely to be divided into certified and non-certified employees, with other subgroups possible. Such guidelines for proper dress on the job help promote the educational profession, as well as providing positive role models for our students and community. The spirit of professionalism and pride in being an educator should drive us to higher standards of dress than the average company employee.

I have always strived to exceed the standard. In the classroom, I wear a dress shirt, khaki pants, and a tie. This conveys my high expectations and provides a model of a corporate employee in the “real world” beyond the school walls. This attire also gains me better respect and serves as an intimidator factor when establishing the ground rules for new classes. I guess it is because I look like a principal with the tie on. Only after a few weeks and my class rules are fully entrenched in the students, I will allow myself a casual Friday by wearing a golf shirt of appropriate taste – such as one for my student organization or school logo. I never wear blue jeans or tennis shoes in the classroom – that is a bit too casual for my taste.

(Continued)
[Classroom Management Articles]

As far as accessories, rules vary from school to school. Generally cell phones should not be used during class time. In fact, I believe cell phones should be kept out of sight during class instructional time. Answering a cell phone during class conveys to the students that their education is second rate to whatever business you are conducting on the phone.

Jewelry should be in good taste and not overbearing. Good grooming habits should be followed, such as hair length, shaving, cleanliness, etc. Shoes should be polished and shined. Clothes should be clean and wrinkle-free.

Obviously, clothing such as flip-flops, mesh shirts, tank tops, and shorts would never be appropriate even on casual Friday. Of course exceptions need to be made for those who teach physical education, or participate in special events requiring such dress. However, in the day-to-day interaction between teacher and student in the classroom, the teacher’s dress should allow learning to occur without distraction. It should also promote high expectations, and set the standard for our future workforce.
WGW