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.

[SomeTeaPlease]

Teachers should abide by the school's dress code at the very least. If the school doesn't allow jeans for students, then teachers shouldn't wear jeans either.

However, if the dress code is casual, then I see no problem with teachers wearing jeans. Plenty of my teachers wore jeans, and quite a few of my professors at uni wear jeans as well. It doesn't change the quality of their teaching.

I don't think it's appropriate to wear just leggings, or have undergarments showing, etc.

[ChippingInNeedsSleepAndCoffee]

Infants/Juniors - casual, comfortable. Preferably thongs not on show though :)

Seniors - a bit more dressy if the pupils are expected to be dressed 'smart'.

[JoinYourPlayfellows]

"Teachers should abide by the school's dress code at the very least."

Grown women dressed in school uniform?

Now we ARE getting porny :o

[PinkSippyCup]

I'm a primary teacher. Our dress code is smart casual. Jeans are allowed as long as they are smart with no rips etc.

I usually wear jeans and converse with smartish tops. As long as my jeans pass the 'sit on the floor without showing my bum crack' test then I'll wear them

[MidniteScribbler]

Every so often at our school we talk about having a staff uniform. Nothing fancy, just black trousers/slacks and a polo shirt in school colours with the logo embroidered, and a dress shirt for more formal events. I'd have no issues with that at all. There are actually quite a few schools out here starting to take on staff uniforms now.

[BelaLugosisShed]

My DD has just started teaching in a high school, she has to wear a suit-type jacket at all times outside the classroom, as the kids have to wear blazers then this is fair enough imo.
She has tattooed feet and feels it's appropriate to wear thick black tights to cover them up and has toned her make up and hair/nails right down, she said she'd feel hypocritical telling girls off for too much make up and jewellery otherwise.

[BumbleChum]

The kids wear uniform at our school so I think it's appropriate for teachers to look professional. Very short skirts, visible cleavage/chest-hair (depending on gender...), tattoos on show aren't professional, they're for your social life IMO. You can have a bit of style (or not, as you choose) and wear comfortable clothing within those parameters.

[funkybuddah]

I don't care how staff are dressed as long as boobs bum and belly are covered (so no builders bums or ill fitting shirts etc)

There is a certain level ie no onsies but teaching ability is more important to me.

but I do get that if the children have to be smart the adults should be too (it just wouldnt bother me if teacher turned up in jeans trainers etc)

as for covering tattoos, unless they are rude again not bothered

[LimburgseVlaai]

I don't really care about what the teachers wear, same as most people on here: as long as the vital bits are covered and they are clean/not smelly that's fine. I don't really mind about tattoos and piercings either.

What does bother me a bit is when female teachers/TAs are caked in makeup or overly orange, and I also hate males (teachers or otherwise) smelling strongly of aftershave. I just don't like the idea of children thinking this is normal and/or attractive. But that's only my personal hang-up, I know I am being inconsistent, and I wouldn't want to see a good teacher reprimanded for this.

[goldopals]

Teachers should be neat and tidy, but should dress as the school culture requires. I teach in a very small country school in Australia where students wear track pants, polo shirts and fleecy jumpers so teachers dress very casually. As long as we do not show boobs, bum or upper leg we can dress how we like.

In winter I wear skinny leg jeans (lots of different colours), nice top and a cardigan, or a dress with leggings and a cardigan. I usually wear knee high boots or bright purple Doc Martens. In summer I wear the same dresses with ballet flats and bare legs.

[SeaSickSal]

The only real issue I have is that it shouldn't be distracting from what they are teaching or affecting their teaching.

So for example multi-coloured, hair, tattoos, piercings and brightly coloured clothes all together would be distraction.

Being really scruffy, eg tracksuit or cap, might give the children the impression the wearer has no authority and cause disruption.

So on a case by case really, but am not bothered about a few tattoos here and there.

[ShadeofViolet]

DS's teacher (NQT) last year wore a see through white vest with a green bra underneath last year. It also didn't cover her belly so she kept having to yank it down. She was very sweet but a little clueless.

I agree though that in secondary's, where the onus is on the children following the uniform code, then staff should be smart.

[Theas18]

Only ever noticed when the Reception teacher had long glam nails at parents evening. Not sure how that fitted with hands on teaching of 4yr olds. But she did and Ok job ( though apparently they all saw her belly button jewel when she was putting up display boards LOL)

Other than that, dress for the work you do.Jeans/leggings (with a dress) are great for primary. DH teaches year 3 and wears cheap easy was trousers and a shirt/jumper. He gets sticky and sometime painty/gluey as they will grab him at times and say " please mum can I do X" LOL

Secondary- again don't mind. One of the girls school teachers has a natty line in intarsia sweaters a la Gyles Brandreth. Usually relevant to what's being taught too :)