Professionalism in the Classroom

Can you imagine walking into your child’s classroom and his or her teacher looking more like a student than a teacher? Just as the rest of the world is becoming more laid back, so are the standards for the way teachers present themselves. Years ago, when you walked into a classroom, the teacher looked as if he or she were dressed in a professional manner and were neat and clean. Now, due to the fact that teachers are not presenting themselves in a professional manner with regard to clothing and hairstyles, and cell phone use students are not taking them as seriously. Not only as a teacher but also a role model for children a teacher is expected to present themselves in a professional manner. Juli Kwikkel (8/21/2003) stated that “you don’t want to have to guess who’s the teacher and who’s the student”. There are even some districts that are beginning to implement dress codes due to the issues worsening as new and younger teachers are entering the work place. This new trend is becoming more popular with schools and is going beyond just the students. Especially in districts where there is a dress code for students and not for employees this will lead to student rebelling against the dress codes that are in place. This is primarily due to the fact that many students will feel as if why should they have to dress a certain way when the staff can dress in street clothes. The rules that are implemented at Alleghany Highlands Public Schools (8/21/2003) state “dress should reflect the professional position of the employee.” Although opinions are different, the general consensus is that teachers should not be wearing things such as belly shirts, jeans, flip flops, and t-shirts to work. This should be left for the students. Rather they should be wearing a more professional and mature type of clothing, such as dress pants and a button up shirt or a skirt that is of an appropriate length. As described by Beth Lewis teachers should wear clothing that is loose fitting and

References: Lewis, B. (N.D.). The Right Threads= The Right Classroom Atmosphere. Retrieved from http://k6educators.about.com/od/classroommanagment/a/attire/htm Barker, O. (2003). School Enforces Dress Codes For Teachers. Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com/ufe/2003-08-20-dress-code_x.htm Lipoo, J. (n.d.). Proper Attire For Teachers. Retrieved from http://joelipoo.hubpages.com/hub/properattire-for-teachers.com Cheng, Yin Cheong. Journal of Educational Research. Jan/Feb96, Vol. 89 Issue 3 Gorham, Joan; Cohen, Stanley H.. Communication Quarterly, Summer99, Vol. 47 Issue 3