to wonder if you care what your child's teacher dresses like

[MsColour]

The school I work in has just introduced a new dress code. Basically we need to look smart - no denim, skirts not too short, no strappy tops, tattoos covered....Most of generally dress like this anyway so it's not a major issue - I always cover my tattoos for work. My dp thinks that it shouldn't matter as it's the results that count.

Just wondering if parents care what their chidren's teachers look like or is it not an issue.

[teenagetantrums]

I don't really care as long, I think they should dress in whatever is practical for the job, no problem with denim or tattoos, as long as the cloths are clean, im more concerned with their teaching, mind you I don't like uniform for kids, am so glad my daughter is at 6th form college now, where the only rule they have is no underwear on display.

[HarrietIsHistory]

I'm a teacher in a secondary and I think it does matter, I think it can set the tone for the school. As I am in a secondary, rather than early years with less kneeling on the floor, I dress professionally and quite formally.

At my DC primary the teachers, even the EY teacher, dress smart in tailored trousers and a blouse but with more practical, flat shoes on.

[teacher123]

In my current job with tinies I spend most of the day sitting on the floor, so need to wear comfy trousers/leggings to ensure that I don't flash my pants to the world. In my old job teaching seniors I used to have to make sure I didn't accidentally flash my boobs (bending down over desks for example) but used to be able to wear skirts as I never had to sit on the floor. I think you should have to be smart-ish, the kids have to be!

[HairyGrotter]

As a parent, I don't care.

[Lj8893]

I think as long as they look clean and tidy and not too much flesh on display then its fine.

Some teachers may feel comfortable wearing suits etc and that's fine but if someone feels more comfortable expressing abit of individuality, then as long as its in a professional manner then that's also fine.

I would have struggled to take my drama teacher seriously if she was in a suit tbh. She was very individual in a bit of a creative hippy way and IMO it added to her brilliant, creative teaching. Same applied to my art teacher.

[mrsjay]

DD2 is in high school and some of her teachers look like students they are soo young sigh I do not think it matters a jot how teachers dress as long as they look clean smart and jeans can look smart, the teachers at their primary was a bit more conventionally dressed but they had teachers and T As with coloured hair piercings and a few tattoos , a teacher can teach and be trendy imo

[HistoryNut1595]

I don't think that it really matters too much in primary school as long as it isn't too revealing.

The converse for different days of the week is an awesome idea!

[mummytime]

At secondary if they are going to be strict on Uniform then the teachers should be reasonably smart. In my experience most teachers dressed reasonably. Not necessarily a suit, but pretty smart.

At DCs primary there have been times I've wanted to ask the female staff to put their cleavage away (it doesn't look professional, and does do year 6 boys favours). Sensiblish shoes should be worn too, I don't know how teachers can be active in some shoes I've seen.

[Foxred10]

Yes I do care. Children at DS1's prep have a really smart uniform and as a minimum I would expect female teachers to wear tidy trousers / skirt / dress (not blue jeans, but coloured or dark ok) with tops of arms covered and non-trainer shoes. For men I would expect tidy trousers and a shirt, but not a tie or jacket unless they felt like it.

I think when you are doing a professional job (whatever that may be) you should look tidy and well put together. As a caveat I do think PE teachers and Art teachers have a bit more leeway!

[thebody]

so agree teenagetantrums.

can't wait until last child heads to college. costed us a bloody fortune in suits for my lads in the 6th form. complete waste of money as both went straight to uni and wore jeans for 3 years.

dds won't be staying in school 6 th form for this reason as we really can't afford/ support this ridiculous office type dress code while they arnt earning to pay for it.

the college next to the school poaches the kids.

clean, tidy no sex bits on show.. great. results are the main thing.

[siratt]

As long as veils are banned, everyone else can wear what they like.

[WowOoo]

If it's a primary school where the children are expected to look smart in their uniform, I'd expect the teachers and staff to look professional also.

As others have said, it all depends on the kind of school.

I know a music teacher who visits schools - she dresses in a highly individual way but still manages to look smart and has an air of confidence and authority about her. (think it's her great posture also)

[BrigitBigKnickers]

We have had reminders about this recently.

The day after 30 degree temperatures where a few staff had come in smart long shorts and strappy tops...

I usually wear a standard pair of black or beige tailored trousers and a smartish top. In the summer I might wear a pair of tailored crop trousers with a lighter top.

One of the teachers I worked with (before the uniform policy) wore low cut trousers that often displayed her bright pink thong!- She was very popular with the year 6 boys!)

We expect our pupils to look smart so it would be a bit off if the staff were scruffy. I take the point that a teacher for littlies would need to wear something practical though because of sitting on the floor/ painting/ messy stuff etc..

[SummerRain]

Couldn't give a damn. One of the teachers is young and dresses very casually, lots of hoodies and jeans. She looks great and the kids love her. Why should she have to dress up to teach a roomful of primary students?!

[EssexGurl]

If school has uniform then I expect staff to also be smart. Dress codes save a lot of problems by setting out expectations up front.

[LazyMonkeyButler]

As a parent of 3, I couldn't care less what my DCs teachers wear. DS2's class teacher throughout Years 5 & 6 turned up most days in a tracksuit & trainers (and no, he wasn't the PE teacher).

Some parents judged, some even complained, I didn't care .

[Panzee]

I make sure I've got a fairly sturdy high neck vest on, long or short leggings on under skirts, and a haramaki on if wearing trousers. Making sure no flesh or underwear can escape! I tend not to wear jeans but don't really go for über smart either. I used to work with SEBD children so got into the habit of wearing practical clothes and being securely covered up for dealing with escapees or restraining. :o

[mrsjay]

saying what I did there is one teacher that ive known since dd1 was in secondary and i really want her to put her cleavage away it is huge and very in your face very distracting I couldnt take my eyes off it one parents evening

[Fuzzysnout]

The dress code you describe sounds highly reasonable. To be respected as a professional you do need to adhere to some professional standards. As long as any recommended attire allows you to do your job well (different clothing is suitable depending on age and stage of pupils) then smartening up gives a good impression to pupils and parents alike.

[Ragwort]

I agree that teachers should dress in a professional and practical manner - it is not appropriate to show thong underwear (as I have seen ), low cut tops, etc etc. If pupils are expected to dress smartly then how can teachers reinforce this if they are dressed inappropriately themselves.

[Tailtwister]

I like them to be dressed fairly smartly, much as you describe OP. I don't see any reason for teachers to wear denim, it's not hard to find a pair of trousers. I don't expect them to wear suits, but something along the lines of what we would call 'business casual'.

[fluffyraggies]

thebody - my dd 14 was most aggrieved last night as her Spanish teacher told her her skirt was too short. she added 'I wouldn't mind but she dressed like a right old prostitute'

DD3 had the exact same thing last year. (Well, actually the teachers problem with DD was that her trousers were too tight, not her skirt was too short.)

DD went on to explain that Miss X was constantly on a witch hunt for girls. Trousers showing VPL, skirt must be to the shin, top button must be done up, lace up brogues only (not even black ballet style pumps) and NO lip gloss.

All of this i have no problem with - but she herself wore tottery heels, skin tight short skirts with a side split up her thigh and her blouse undone so far you could see down to her bra!

I was sceptical until i actually saw the woman one parents evening. She looked like a french hooker! Rest of the staff were smartly dressed. Not all in suits, but dressed in a style that seemed to show a little respect to their position and their pupils.

[justmyview]

Dress code described by OP sounds fine to me. Important to look professional if you want to be taken seriously. I wouldn't like piercings & tattoos on display. I know that's not a v popular viewpoint on MN

[MrsOakenshield]

I think if there is a strict uniform policy for pupils then it's only right and fair the same should extend to the staff. If you believe that uniform has a positive effect on children's behaviour and outcomes, then presumably the same could be said for staff - that they will be respected and more authoritative than if they were casual and down-with-the-kids.

Not saying I believe that, just that the two seem to go hand in hand.