Dress code too for teachers?

Tag : Mini Dresses


THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT of a dress code for students was wellreceived by parents and the public. It was not the first time sucha policy was enunciated but the first time all stakeholders showedcommon purpose and solidarity.

As encouraging as this new-found unanimity would appear, it ishoped that all principals will enforce the code with equalforcefulness. This is very important since it has been known, forexample, that some schools showed a tolerance for skirt lengthsabove the knee, others at the knee and yet others two inches belowthe knee.
Such variation, whilst an example of the use of discretion, merelyserved to undermine the real purpose of the decision but ifstudents are expected to conform to the dress code, then, why nottheir teachers? There can be hardly any doubt that the way ateacher dresses has a great deal to do with how students react tohim/her. It is clear that students are less likely to respectteachers whose deportment is unacceptable. If teachers want respectfrom students, they must conduct themselves like professionals anddress as professionals do.
In the same way that students are told their clothing must not bedistracting, the teacher's clothing should not be distractingeither. Often younger teachers, not too long out of schoolthemselves, may be inclined to push the fashion limits or wear whatmakes them feel comfortable – a tight-fitting blouse designedto show every curve, an array of earrings or other body piercingsor art, particularly at non-teaching school events, seeminglyoblivious to the fact that they are still being observed by thestudents.
We accept that teachers are entitled to some degree of fashionfreedom but some "mash the crease", making policy makers andperhaps students too, raise their eyebrows. We are willing to throwout a challenge. The next time you walk into a secondary school ona day students, are not wearing uniforms, tell us whether you havebeen able to distinguish, easily, the teachers from the students inthe hallway.
Teachers, though basically entitled to some fashion freedom, needever to be conscious that he/she is a model for the students. Andso at all times, teachers' attire should satisfy the doctrine thattheir fashion and deportment add dignity to the educationalprofession. This point should be mandatory and play a prominentpart in teacher orientation, as well as briefings at the beginningof new term meetings.
It goes without saying that rules applicable to students must notpermit license of exemption by teachers. Hence multiple piercingsand visible tattoos must be off limits as should mini-skirts, lowcut blouses, midriff exposure and unkempt facial hair.
There can be no question that the image teachers reflect asprofessionals is associated with attire both at school and in thecommunity. Today, learning is more visual than by rote, thus thereis no room for "too low, too short or too tight".
Teachers, if there is to be no dress code, must remain modest andconservative.