“Staff threat after PE teacher is sacked for wearing trainers in class.”
That’s outrageous, he’s a PE teacher, why shouldn’t he be able to wear trainers? But on further reading, he also taught Maths and, although achieving an exemplary 30 year record, should he really have been wearing trainers in the classroom? Whether or not this teacher should have been sacked is not for me to comment but as an Image Consultant with a background in business marketing, (and someone that went to school...wasn’t keen on PE but loved Maths), what it does raise is the fact that what teaching and non-teaching staff wear is extremely important...and a somewhat passionate subject.
There has been an on-going debate as to what the ‘dress code’ for school teachers should be that seems to fluctuate between the need to address teachers dressing scruffily to the argument t
hat a suit and tie can be impractical...and don’t even get me started on the early attempt of some schools to ban women teachers from wearing trousers! But why is it such an important argument, here are some points to consider:
First impressions count. Whether you’re the head teacher, the primary school teacher or the teaching assistant, decisions about you are being made by all those you meet and come in contact with, from the education authorities to parents to the students. In fact, a staggering 93% of those impressions are formed based on your appearance, body language and tone of voice, so knowing how to dress and present yourself within your working environment is a crucial factor to reflecting the right image.
Teachers are part of a School’s Marketing. Each time a staff member steps through the school gates (and to a certain extent, outside of them!), they represent the school, it’s core values and principles and is key to any marketing communications initiatives. It therefore follows that there is an expectation that the way staff dress and present themselves should reflect this.
Teachers are in a position of trust. How we dress says a lot about us. Parents, the community, the authorities as well as the students need to feel that the teaching and non-teaching staff are trustworthy, professional and competent.
Teachers are not just teachers. I read an article about this and it struck me how true this can be. Teachers can often be called upon to wear many hats: nurses, psychologists, social workers, parent counselors, secretaries, as well as possibly being parents themselves! The way they dress also needs to portray a sense of openness and approachability.
So now we know the why, what should staff be thinking about when choosing what to wear.
The Look Good, Feel Good, Teach Better Principle.
There's no doubt that what teaching and non-teaching staff wear in the classroom is of real significance not only to ensure the schools and profession are appropriately represented but also to gain the respect and trust of those around them. Enforcing dress codes, however, can be a tricky subject. In my humble opinion, one where a common sense approach is needed with input from all parties so the correct interpretations and examples are developed to avoid confusion (and possible embarrassment) by all.
By the way, the teacher in the headline lost his appeal (March 2009) and subsequently there were a series of strikes supported by the NUT to have him re-instated.
About the author:
Min Sandhu is founder of imaginestyle, a consultancy business focused on personal and corporate image.
www.imaginestyle.com
That’s outrageous, he’s a PE teacher, why shouldn’t he be able to wear trainers? But on further reading, he also taught Maths and, although achieving an exemplary 30 year record, should he really have been wearing trainers in the classroom? Whether or not this teacher should have been sacked is not for me to comment but as an Image Consultant with a background in business marketing, (and someone that went to school...wasn’t keen on PE but loved Maths), what it does raise is the fact that what teaching and non-teaching staff wear is extremely important...and a somewhat passionate subject.
There has been an on-going debate as to what the ‘dress code’ for school teachers should be that seems to fluctuate between the need to address teachers dressing scruffily to the argument t
hat a suit and tie can be impractical...and don’t even get me started on the early attempt of some schools to ban women teachers from wearing trousers! But why is it such an important argument, here are some points to consider:First impressions count. Whether you’re the head teacher, the primary school teacher or the teaching assistant, decisions about you are being made by all those you meet and come in contact with, from the education authorities to parents to the students. In fact, a staggering 93% of those impressions are formed based on your appearance, body language and tone of voice, so knowing how to dress and present yourself within your working environment is a crucial factor to reflecting the right image.
Teachers are part of a School’s Marketing. Each time a staff member steps through the school gates (and to a certain extent, outside of them!), they represent the school, it’s core values and principles and is key to any marketing communications initiatives. It therefore follows that there is an expectation that the way staff dress and present themselves should reflect this.
Teachers are in a position of trust. How we dress says a lot about us. Parents, the community, the authorities as well as the students need to feel that the teaching and non-teaching staff are trustworthy, professional and competent.
Teachers are not just teachers. I read an article about this and it struck me how true this can be. Teachers can often be called upon to wear many hats: nurses, psychologists, social workers, parent counselors, secretaries, as well as possibly being parents themselves! The way they dress also needs to portray a sense of openness and approachability.
So now we know the why, what should staff be thinking about when choosing what to wear.
The Look Good, Feel Good, Teach Better Principle.
- Dress appropriately for the subject and audience. Where the PE teacher may have gone wrong was still looking like a PE teacher when teaching Maths in the classroom. Think about the messages you are sending out as the teacher and about the subject. Science does not necessarily mean a suit and tie because it is deemed a ‘serious’ subject but at the other extreme, jeans and t-shirt are equally inappropriate. Clothing that is too revealing, too ‘loud’ or too tight are also not considered fitting.
- Practicality and comfort is key. If you’re going to be on your feet all day, sensible shoes and clothing that fits is essential. Your focus is on teaching - not how uncomfortable you are - something that students will instantly pick upon. Primary school teachers as an example, will need to think about clothing they can not only, stand in, but kneel, sit, bend and stretch and possibly run in!
- Choose versatile clothing. It is useful to opt for versatile pieces and separates where you can create a collection of outfits (and this equally applies to male teachers). Layering can be a good option, particularly if the classroom temperature varies but also as you can quickly don a jacket for a more formal look, for example, for parents evening. It may even be a good idea to have a spare outfit or a spare shirt, tie or blouse...in case of those little accidents.
- Keep a sense of individuality and style. Being a teacher does not mean you can’t have a sense of style or keep an eye on fashion but you will need to remember the rules of what is appropriate for the classroom, subject, audience and in representing the school. Ensure you are not wearing anything that will cause distraction and avoid overly flashy accessories as this could also be distracting and impractical. Most childrens schools also don't allow the children to wear jewellery so it could be inflammatory if you go to town.
- Dress for your body shape. Male or female, an instant confidence booster is ensuring that what you wear is right for your body shape, proportions and scale. Particularly if you do have some figure challenges, getting advice on how to manage this with your attire can work miracles by taking the eye to more positive areas. And again, focusing the classroom on what is being taught.
- Importance of colour. Colour is a powerful communicator, evoking a more or less universal set of emotions and reaction so consideration should be given to what colours you should wear. You will look more refreshed, radiant and natural when wearing colours that compliment your natural hair and eye colour and skin tone. Ideally, female teachers should wear make-up, even if just a little but care should be taken on its application and quality and ensure that it is not over powering...keep the more daring eye-shadows for the evenings!
- Have a top-down checklist! Grooming and finishing touches can be essential as these will be obvious when in front of classroom full of students and so it’s always advisable to do a quick head to toe check in the mirror:
Does you hair look well kept? Does it need a cut? Are there any issues that should be addressed? Is it in an appropriate style.
What does your profile look like – remember in a classroom you may be walking about and so seen from different angles, particularly the back. Keep your pockets clear and make sure you do not have anything distracting, hanging or creating unnecessary attention on your clothing.
Check your tights for ladders and keep a few spare pairs in your drawer. Polish your shoes and ensure heels are clean.
There's no doubt that what teaching and non-teaching staff wear in the classroom is of real significance not only to ensure the schools and profession are appropriately represented but also to gain the respect and trust of those around them. Enforcing dress codes, however, can be a tricky subject. In my humble opinion, one where a common sense approach is needed with input from all parties so the correct interpretations and examples are developed to avoid confusion (and possible embarrassment) by all.
By the way, the teacher in the headline lost his appeal (March 2009) and subsequently there were a series of strikes supported by the NUT to have him re-instated.
About the author:
Min Sandhu is founder of imaginestyle, a consultancy business focused on personal and corporate image.
www.imaginestyle.com
