Any suggestions for student teacher dress code? Not in the classroom yet. Just taking pre-reqs. ?

Question

I just started a pre-req class for teaching credential program this week and was read the riot act by one professor for wearing flip flops, a conservative white denim skirt and a v-neck tee. It is really hot here in So Cal and after several years of being a college student, my dress has become fairly casual.

I got the message loud and clear from the professor. There are no "official" dress code standards published at the university, but I'd like to start dressing up a little. Any teachers out there that have some good hints on what to wear? I worked in the computer industry for many years and dressed business casual, but it's been 10 yrs since I have worked. I live in San Diego, so keep in mind that we have hot weather this time of year.

(p.s. I completely understand that flip flops will soon be a thing of the past for me during business hours. They don't look polished....)

Answer 1

Visit some local schools and see what the teacher dress code is. They differ, I know. A good rule of thumb is slacks or nice khakis or skirt (should hit the knees or below and look polished), nice shirts (absolutely NO tank tops unless under another shirt), nice looking shoes.

Answer 2

?, always dress nicely for the job.  Ask the prof. what you should wear.  Good luck and have fun.

Answer 3

I am a high school male teacher in Chicago. I am also going into my 7th year in education as a full-time teacher.  Try not to wear anything that would give the male students something to talk about...We did have some teachers who would dress as if they are going to a club or dressed as if they belonged in a strip club and they rarely got respect.  and yes male teachers do talk about how the female teachers dress when they are not around...I am not kidding.

I am all about freedom of expression but male teenage students are subjected to too much skin today that some don't respect women over it.  

Show off your brain and not your body...I am not saying you were going to do that.

As far as what to wear...ummm...a Sari...Love the colors...or at least material that is close to that...very light weight but not revealing.

Just to one up you...I love San Diego (wish I could afford to live there) and love the weather...we have 100 degree days PLUS humidity in Chicago.  San Diego weather is nothing compared to the HOT DEATH weather in Chicago.

Answer 4

We don't have A/C here in NY, so this time of year it is really hot and humid in the school (I'm on the 3rd floor)!  My school allows capris, but my sister's school in Florida forbids teachers to wear them, saying they are too casual.  Take a look at what other females are wearing in the facility, head to toe.  Excellent answer, by the way, from the male teacher from Chicago.  

Answer 5

Khakis, skirts(below the knee), and slacks are appropriate. Nice blouses and sweaters that don't reveal any cleavage. For shoes I usually wear loafers since I am on my feet for most of the day. I will sometimes wear heels, but not too often. Also, make sure that your clothing is not tight fitting, you don't want the students focusing on your body, you want them focusing on your teaching.