School Uniform and Teacher Dress Code

Across the globe, schools are constantly under pressure by the common question, should teachers follow a dress code or have a uniform of their own? Although many schools believe in the idea, there are other schools that would rather put their faith into the professionalism of their teachers and staff in order for them to dress appropriately. 

One thing, teachers should already dress in a professional manner. A teacher needs to establish a maturity in the classroom. That all starts with their dressing attire. For example, if a teacher dresses in such a manner that is deemed provocative, this will distract the students to a point where there is a possibility they cannot get their work done. “The teacher babe style of clothing consisted of very short skirts, a low cut sweater, and high black boots”. The quote expresses the claim that teachers should already dress in a professional manner that is appropriate to the school environment and not into an outfit that is provocative. However, teachers already have the ability to dress in a professional manner, therefore, teachers should not wear a school uniform because they should already be dressed in professional apparel that follows the guidelines of being acceptable in the school environment.

Teachers who dress in a relaxed manner, give students the impression that they should take a “relaxed approach” to school. A teacher that will show and express their outfits with a relaxed connotation, can rub off and affect the students working habits. Thus causing the relaxed approach to school . “I’ve always maintained that the kids act differently if you dress up, I’ve also seen teachers who dress in business casual and they run very good classrooms and the kids respect them”. Due to a teacher looking and dressing with a laid back tone in comparison to a teacher who doesn’t, it poses as a non-presentable appearance to the student and could cause him/her to have lackadaisical tendencies. A teacher who wears a laid back outfit could affect the student’s full potential of being a hard worker. Although a teacher dress code could aid with that problem, there is no need for that to happen due to the fact that teachers already dress in a professional manner. 

A professional outfit worn by the teacher instills the authority of teachers. A student and teacher should be differentiated throughout the school. A teachers outfit should stand out in comparison to the students, otherwise, if they dress the same, then not only will there be no difference in student to teacher apparel, but there will also be no respect given to the proper authority by the student. “Teachers were to project an image filled with positivity, this is because teachers are mentors and role models for students.; they are to create this environment that is for learning, instill a respect for the authority, discipline, safety, and to create an obvious difference between teachers and students”. The act of dressing in a professional manner is for teachers to teach students the authority and respect they need to have in which they instill their own authority over the students. That is why, there is no need for the use of a teacher uniform or dress code.

Even though teachers should already look professional, another beneficial factor that explains why teachers should dress professionally is because it helps them look good for their students. People lead and follow by example, so dressing nicely helps students do the same. “'Students learn by seeing, and they're looking for role models, people who reflect a lifestyle based on their proper roles''. When teachers dress professionally, it improves the mannerisms and clothing styles of students. This shows that because teachers present themselves in a professional way, it causes the students to do the same. 

Teachers who dress professionally are more likely to have a positive effect on students. If a teacher were to dress in a more professional way, it would improve the overall morale of the student and the school environment. “Teachers should create an environment that specifically focuses on the responsibility for all teachers. This responsibility is providing an education and setting very high expectations for students to meet”. Teachers who dress professionally allow their students to have a positive effect on school. If teachers were to dress professionally then they are able to make a positive impact on students. 

A common misconception presented by mainly teachers are, there is no difference between a business casual outfit and an outfit that you would normally wear for a night on the town. A business casual outfit is something that is not only appropriate, but suitable for the workplace. “The look properly known as 'business casual' for men, are the cotton slacks and open-necked shirts”. This look is now a common outfit that is used among the workplace. Yet, it still upholds the professional manner that is needed in order to be deemed presentable for the workplace. This look instills a professional manner that further proves why teachers should not be required to wear a uniform or follow a dress code.

However, the casual wear for going out is unacceptable for the workplace and it causes various problems. “Dress norms are 'standards or rules” which specify how human beings should or should not look under given circumstances...Teachers should not wear flip-flops; and Teachers should dress so as to be easily distinguished from students”. Teachers need to understand the importance of those two styles of outfits, especially if one of them is not appropriate for a person's job. However, because the majority of teachers should already have the act of dressing professionally ingrained in their heads, there should be no problem with how teachers should dress. So, because teachers already know how to dress in a professional manner and can differentiate both styles of ‘casual’, then there should be no need to give teachers a dress code or a uniform. 

Without a doubt, a dress code could be deemed useful. It has a lot of benefits and could probably make the lives of teachers easier. However, a dress code shouldn’t be allowed for teachers because they have what it takes to put on a teacher friendly outfit with the use of it being professional. Teachers should already know how to dress professionally, the proper attire helps teachers look good for their students, and teachers can differentiate a business casual and a going out casual. If a teacher can follow these expectations like they’re supposed to, then the use of a teacher dress code is absurd. This is why it is unnecessary for a teacher to follow a teacher dress code due to the fact that teachers should already know how to dress in a professional manner.