We will agree to disagree because 1. I'm a damned good educator. and 2. I dont agree with your opinion because teaching comes from within not from your outward appearance.
My mentor who is my principal wears jeans and button-ups everyday to work. He only wears a suit when he's forced to. We have a great API and he does it with a casual look.
Kids could care less if I have on a suit to teach them...they're not dumb...they can sense if you're there to teach or not.
And, I've heard the cliche of "dress for the job you want"...well I am...TO BE MY OWN BOSS.
I'm 32 with 2 income properties and a JOB. I've been something right without a SUIT.
I do, however, thank you for your suggestions. I pulled the trigger on the khaki and now thinking of pulling it on the blue glen.
One, I'm glad you went with the khaki one and if the order hasn't processed PM me as I think they texted me a promo code for $10 or $15 off $100. Second, you're right teaching does come from within and to an extent some students do not care about what you wear to work to teach them. I teach high school, specifically Seniors, and they notice. My wife and I were actually talking about this today, about how they notice when teachers don't put any effort into what they wear, to a lot of kids it shows them that the teacher really doesn't care about being there. Jeans and button ups are a HUGE upgrade to what MANY teachers wear. Jeans and button ups are in my opinion dressing better/well, I just choose to wear 3 or 4 days out of the week dress pants, with Wednesday and Friday in jeans. What I cant' stand is the sweatpants, PJs, 1990s t-shirts, sweatsuits, etc. that I see too many teachers wear.
I believe clothing can be used to your advantage when it comes to the profession we practice. I wear what I want because I choose to wear it and because I like it but also because I want to demonstrate to my students what it looks like to dress professionally. Whether it is dress pants and a button up or a suit, or mostly how you can dress professionally while still wearing jeans. It's funny actually as we hold "professional days" at my school and this is when a lot of students usually start discussing which teachers don't dress professionally and which do. In regards to your principal, I WISH my principal wore jeans at least 1-2 times a week. Frankly, it would bring him down a notch or two and would humanize him more to our students. I think the fact that he wears a suit everyday hurts him, as he comes off as really uptight, granted a huge part is his attitude, but on the rare occasion you see him without a tie or jacket, he is almost usually a lot more pleasant and down to earth.
As you mention API, I assume you're in CA? I teach in NYC and teaching in any environment is difficult. You're right that what someone wears doesn't define the quality of teacher that they are. I know how difficult our profession is and what an uphill battle it can be every single day. I know at my school we are constantly struggling with keeping high standards especially when we share a building with another high school that runs a complete s*** show.
just curious as to why you think that? not knocking it, just have heard different views concerning the educator's dress in the classroom.
im still a bit active at my old HS (alumni mentoring when i have time). ive talked pretty candidly to students and teachers and it seems (thats the operative word) that younger teachers that dress more casual, have an easier time connecting/relating with students and can get through in lessons and other aspects. the older educators that tend to wear business wear, are viewed as the old school stern/more authoritative types by the students (just saying thats how students ive talked to viewed them, they are still considered great teachers). i just find that dynamic interesting.
As I mentioned above, it all depends on what teachers define as casual. I'll give you an example, we share a school building with two middle schools and a high school and most teachers in the building are at the very least in jeans and a button up shirt, some in dress pants and button ups or suits, and a very small number in what it seems they wore to bed. It is those who dress to teach in what it seems they wore to bed that I have a huge problem with. I know some might say oh but that's rare, unfortunately it's not. The building I am, it's rare, but I've been to many schools were teachers are literally in sweatsuits, PJ bottoms, PJ tops, old t-shirts, it gives off an image of I don't care. Yes what one wears can help us relate to our students which is why I make it a point to "dress down" at least 2 days a week, but I still keep it professional, jeans, button up, dress shoes or sneakers, but I am able to relate to my students not simply because of what I wear but of my demeanor with them. I've developed a reputation for being the most blunt, honest and straightforward adult/teacher in the building. Students respect that much more than what you are wearing. In addition, I use my humor and personality to connect with my students.
at this still going
