In our increasingly informal world, is it a bad idea for a male elementary teacher to wear a tie?

Question

Let's face it, if you're a man in his late 20s, early 30s, and making $100,000-$200,000, you're not more than likely not wearing a tie. Used car salesmen wear ties. Managers at Office Depot wear ties.

Answer 1

It isn't a bad idea, but it isn't necessary.  Many male teachers don't wear ties.  There is a very popular 30's male teacher at my school who often wears a tie.  They're fun ties, not power ties.  Personally, I think teachers have become too casual. I've seen sweats, too much cleavage, and exposed underwear.  Teachers should look like they are at work.  Casual office attire, like khakis and a button down shirt or polo, is fine. Please no overalls, cut offs, or silly t-shirts at school if you want to be taken seriously - don't dress like the 5th graders.  

Answer 2

I think you should definitely wear a tie. It's very professional.

Answer 3

It is never a bad idea to wear a tie. We teach our students that respect is mutual and reciprocal. If we respect them, they will respect us. Attire can go a long way with the level of respect as well. I have taught on formal and informal campuses. Male educators have worn ties, slacks, dress shirts, and others have worn the polo-type shirt untucked with slacks. If you are trying to "fit in" a key indicator would be the traditional attire the rest of the staff is wearing. Have you seen other male educators on your campus? How do they dress? Does their dress match their behavior?

You are more likely to be listened to and respected not only by peers but administration when you wear a tie. You express that you take pride in your position and your mission to educate the youth of our nation. When you show up casually dressed with many of today's youth, they don't look at you as an authoritative figure. You are a role model as more and more of our children do not have role models to idolize. Coming to school is often a break for them and they look to you.

Another point to consider is the class. I only mention this because if you are teaching in an upper-middle class or affluent district/community, you will want to wear a tie daily. If you teach at an impoverished school, they aren't looking at the brands and style of dress to "size you up".

As you mentioned, Office Depot managers and used car salesmen wear ties, but that only shows that they are dressing sophistically and to show they deserve their position and all it entails. All in all, your attitude, personality, and the idea of the "total package" is what matters. The kids will want to learn when you make it engaging. To them, the tie won't matter. To the staff, well, it all depends on the social status. You will be working with women and many can be the talkative kind.

Evaluate your reasoning for a tie, assess the other male educators, and respect the others. Your choice to wear one or not will then be respected.

Answer 4

It's not a bad idea really. here's my opinion.

It does sound like this can be a set example to the youngins but at the same time they're not adults or consumers etc. It's nice to wear a nice suit or nice pants and a shirt but you don't really have to add a tie to this attire everyday. If you want switch it up, a few days with it and a few days without. You don't want to overdo it with them.

Answer 5

We have a male teacher at our school who wears ties everyday except for Fridays. Fridays are spirit days, and he wears his school shirt. Anyway, he is respected by everyone. He does make it fun though. He wears fun ties with cartoon characters.  

Answer 6

i think it's a wonderful example to set for today's students.  dress respectively and you will be respected.  dress like a thug and you might be treated like one.  sad to say, but it happens.  personal respect is also sadly missed in today's society.

Answer 7

The older your students are, the more important it is to look professional.  It's often harder and harder to get their respect as they get older, so a professional image helps a lot.

For the youngest kids (e.g. 3rd grade and younger,) it's still important because it's your job.  However, you're dealing with a lot of finger paint, sitting on the floor, paying outside, etc. at this age, so you can definitely get away with more casual attire.  Take your cue from your co-workers - even though most of them are probably women - and remember to try to dress a *little* bit nicer than them if this is your first year.