by Jinianne Lutz

Created on: September 27, 2009

A teacher is in a professional position and her attire should reflect professionalism. You are setting a role model for your students. As a teacher, remember that you are the teacher, not a student. Even through there may be just a few years between your age and the age of your students, professionalism should be your standard.

Modest clothing should be the normal, not the exception. Women should wear clothing that is not revealing or too low. Skirts should be knee-length and pants should be of a professional nature, not blue jeans. Men should be clean-shaven or be sure that any facial hair is neatly trimmed.

Attire should extend to make-up and jewelry. Make-up should be low-key. Jewelry should be appropriate; that is, modest earrings and necklaces. Bracelets are acceptable.

Remember that the attitude you convey through your clothing will reflect on you beyond the classroom. As you travel throughout your daily or weekend activities, you might run into one of your students and their parents. If your dress is appropriate only during the school hours and you meet parents outside of those hours (at the store, for example), the parents might get the wrong impression of your teaching ability.

Having a set of clothes for teaching, separate from your other clothes, might be a good idea. This set of clothes will keep you aware of the need to exude a professional appearance. For men, you might consider keeping a spare tie at school in case yours is stained during the day. Women, you might consider keeping a sweater at school for the same reason.

Wear comfortable shoes. Being a teacher is not the place to wear 6" spike heels in which you can barely walk. Wear a comfortable walking-type shoe that allows you to stand and walk easily. Remember that you are not a teacher to impress the students with your clothing style. You are a teacher to help the students achieve their potential.

Professional clothing will portray an image of confidence and authority. Dressing like the students will degrade your authority as you are acting more like a peer than a teacher. You must maintain a level of authority. Clothing can help make the statement that you are in charge and expect to be treated with respect.

Should the need arise to wear blue jeans or similar attire, such as on field day, be sure to wear clean, nice jeans. There should not be holes in the knees and the jeans should not be skin tight, but rather of a modest fit. Wear a simple shirt that does not contain any kind of wording or statement. Prints, plaids, and stripes are acceptable. Polo shirts should be worn even on field day.

Remember that being a teacher means being professional. Wearing the latest and greatest fashion style is probably not appropriate in a schoolroom. Look critically at your dressing style before you leave the house. If anything is questionable, change into something that is neutral. Dress professional and your chances of gaining the respect of your students increases.

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