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Q&A for How to Dress when You're a Teacher
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QuestionWhat should a teacher wear?Soren Rosier is an Education Expert based in Palo Alto, CA. He is the founder of PeerTeach, a platform that empowers students to grow their leadership, confidence, and love of math through AI-powered peer tutoring. Additionally, he is an instructor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, where he teaches courses on designing impactful tools for learning. Before beginning his PhD, he taught middle school in Oakland, developed teacher training programs, and evaluated the efficacy of popular ed tech products at SRI International. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and a PhD in Learning Sciences & Technology Design at Stanford University.When I taught, I was a little self-conscious about being young; however, I always wore a button-up, collared shirt with a tie because I wanted to look professional and approachable. I wanted to show that I took the responsibility of being a teacher very seriously, which meant dressing the part, and I think students really picked up on it.
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QuestionCan a female teacher wear makeup and nail varnish?Community AnswerIt may depend on where you're from, but in the US and Western countries, sure. Just keep the makeup subtle. Remember, no one will be able to concentrate (including you) if you have something distracting.
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QuestionCan a teacher wear high heels during school?Community AnswerYes, as long as they are an appropriate height.
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QuestionIs it acceptable for a teacher to go without makeup on?Community AnswerOf course. Makeup is in no way a requirement for a teacher.
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QuestionAre t-shirts allowed on Friday when I'm a teacher?Community AnswerIf your school has casual Friday, yes, usually t-shirts are allowed.
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QuestionCan I wear long earrings?Community AnswerDepending on the age group you teach, they may be dangerous. They can be easily snagged or ripped out when teaching young children.
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QuestionCan a male teacher wear jeans to work?Community AnswerThis is generally not acceptable, except on casual days or unless the dress code of the school is very informal.
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QuestionWhat are some of the clothes that a teacher shouldn't wear?Community AnswerAnything revealing or inappropriate should be avoided. That would include anything like miniskirts, tube tops, strapless dresses or shirts, very short shorts, etc. Individual schools will have their own dress codes for teachers with more detailed rules though.
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QuestionAre male teachers allowed to wear shirts and ties?Community AnswerOf course. Just be a teacher who will inspire students.
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QuestionCan I wear earrings if I am a male teacher?flower of the fernCommunity AnswerIt depends on the school and its staff dress code. In the UK, I know a few guys who wear earrings and were asked by the head of the department to take them out (it was not in the school policy, yet was considered to be inappropriate).
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QuestionIs it appropriate for a substitute teacher to wear long, floral-print dresses?Community AnswerYes. The skirt should not be tight or be overly full because of the danger of tripping. A-line skirts or softly gathered ones that don’t drag the floor should be okay.
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QuestionCan male teachers be scandalous and expose their stomachs from time to time?Community AnswerNo, that is inappropriate.
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QuestionCan a male teacher have long hair?Community AnswerYes, as long as it's maintained within the employee dress code.
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QuestionHow can I make my look more stylish if there is a dress code for the teachers in my school?Community AnswerSmart accessories can elevate your look - like simple jewelry or a scarf. Light makeup and a neat but flattering hairstyle will also help.
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QuestionIs it okay for a school teacher to get a nose piercing?Community AnswerI have one, but I make sure to wear clear or subtle rings at work - no hoops or large ornate ones. Save those for the weekend. Different schools may have different policies on this, though, so you might want to ask.
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QuestionCan I wear a swimsuit or swimming trunks and post it publicly on social media if I am a teacher?Community AnswerAs a teacher, you should always try to maintain a professional image. This does mean that it's probably best to not post such pictures on social media, as it might grab unnecessary attention. This may vary depending on what school you're teaching at too.
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QuestionAre teachers required to wear closed-toed shoes if working in a public school?Community AnswerIt depends on the school, but I would recommend that you do so, as those floors can get pretty dirty. Always wear closed-toed shoes if your students have to.
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QuestionIs it acceptable to wear a skirt that hits all the requirements but isn't quite made from a tailored material?Community AnswerYes, that should be fine, as long as it isn't too revealing or tight. Knee-length skirts are acceptable for teachers.
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QuestionCan teachers wear clothes based on subjects?Community AnswerAs long as it follows the school's general clothing policy, I don't see why not. The school where I work embraces the individuality + professional look; you'll often see the art teachers rocking statement pieces and the music teachers with music-inspired clothes. PE and dance teachers often wear tights as well, but the more expensive ones to avoid that awkward underwear line. Basically, as long as the outfit isn't too tight, revealing or casual, go nuts!
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QuestionCan I have long hair as a male teacher?Community AnswerIt depends on the school. Most will allow it, while others may have a stricter dress code for teachers.
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QuestionCan I wear a cardigan as a teacher?Micha GreenCommunity AnswerThat depends on your school's dress code. It is allowed in most schools. Just be sure to wear a professional looking top under it or a solid top if you are wearing a printed cardigan. Ensure all buttons are in place and that there are no loose threads or pilling, as these errors can make a cardigan appear unprofessional.
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QuestionI wonder if teachers can wear black clothes every day since I'm a goth and I don't want to wear loads of colors, while still looking professional. Is that possible in some way?Community AnswerAbsolutely, black is the color of the professional working force, it's ordinary, it's inoffensive and it's easy to look professional in. Avoid the makeup though, keep that either to a minimum or none at all.
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QuestionIs It a must that you tuck in your shirt as a professional teacher?Mzm555Top AnswererIn most schools, no. Perhaps it may be advised or more strictly enforced in private schools, but for most regular "mainstream" schools, its usually up to the teacher, as long as it doesn't look too messy.
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QuestionI'm a queer female, can I dress more masculine? For instance, I often wear ties/waistcoats. Will this be deemed inappropriate?Mzm555Top AnswererRefer to your staff policy or ask your supervising teacher/assistant principal or other management team. As long as it is not revealing or inappropriate, it should be fine.
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