Professional dress in an education setting should be a requirement. Setting standards of decorum is about etiquette and respect.

Teachers should be leading by example.

And, when I think of why I send my children to private school vs public it’s these sorts of things that better prepare them for life and set this type of education apart from the education for the masses received at public schools.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why you care, really. My mom taught public high school for 35 years and always wore dresses, skirts, statement jewelry. Jeans for exam week only. However, if they are teaching well, IDGAF what they are wearing.

But I do care.

We are paying good money for private school and the hope is they would take education seriously. Why demand a dress code for students and let teachers wear jeans?

And why suggest a dress code for an evening event and then show up in jeans?

And don’t even get me started on visible tattoos.

I agree with you OP.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why you care, really. My mom taught public high school for 35 years and always wore dresses, skirts, statement jewelry. Jeans for exam week only. However, if they are teaching well, IDGAF what they are wearing.

But I do care.

We are paying good money for private school and the hope is they would take education seriously. Why demand a dress code for students and let teachers wear jeans?

And why suggest a dress code for an evening event and then show up in jeans?

And don’t even get me started on visible tattoos.

Would you support a small bump in tuition to give teachers a clothing allowance?

I was thinking this. Teachers in private schools make under $100k a year.

Anonymous wrote:At our school, this is typical but we have a lot of young, inexperienced teachers:










I wish there was a dress code.

Nope… that’s not actually happening. Good try.

At our school, this is typical but we have a lot of young, inexperienced teachers:










I wish there was a dress code.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This really seems to be more of a school culture question than anything else.

On one end of the spectrum, if the school prides itself on uniformity and "professional" student attire, adults should be more formal.

If the school is way more relaxed in atmosphere, no student dress code, adults could be way less rigid in their dress.

Learning doesn't care what you wear, but cultural cohesion can have an impact.

Choose a school for your child that fits what you're looking for.

I thought I did.

We toured.

We opted for a school with uniforms/dress code.

But there was no way to see all the teachers. And only recently have I attended events where I’m noticing this super casual approach by teachers/admin.

I would have expected this at another school, but not at one where they make a big deal about kids being in uniform (right down to their socks).

Teachers are expected to teach your child content and help them be a good human.

Anonymous wrote:Just curious what your school pays its staff and how far their commutes are. They might not be living the UMC life you are enjoying and it doesn't sound like you as a parent are nessarily making that workplace a great place to be.

I’m a private school teacher. I don’t have a ton of money sitting around for professional outfits. I have 2 pairs of pants and 5 shirts from the Loft and I rotate them every week. That’s what I can afford, and that’s what I’m going to wear.

I made a ton more working for the public system where I was allowed to wear jeans and t-shirts every day. When I transitioned to private, I learned quickly that parents are going to judge me based on my clothing. I just don’t have time (or money) to care.

I do a tremendous job in the classroom and that’s what really matters — not whether I’m wearing the latest trend in office wear.

Anonymous wrote:This really seems to be more of a school culture question than anything else.

On one end of the spectrum, if the school prides itself on uniformity and "professional" student attire, adults should be more formal.

If the school is way more relaxed in atmosphere, no student dress code, adults could be way less rigid in their dress.

Learning doesn't care what you wear, but cultural cohesion can have an impact.

Choose a school for your child that fits what you're looking for.

I thought I did.

We toured.

We opted for a school with uniforms/dress code.

But there was no way to see all the teachers. And only recently have I attended events where I’m noticing this super casual approach by teachers/admin.

I would have expected this at another school, but not at one where they make a big deal about kids being in uniform (right down to their socks).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why you care, really. My mom taught public high school for 35 years and always wore dresses, skirts, statement jewelry. Jeans for exam week only. However, if they are teaching well, IDGAF what they are wearing.

But I do care.

We are paying good money for private school and the hope is they would take education seriously. Why demand a dress code for students and let teachers wear jeans?

And why suggest a dress code for an evening event and then show up in jeans?

And don’t even get me started on visible tattoos.

Would you support a small bump in tuition to give teachers a clothing allowance?

You can buy professional-looking clothing on Amazon, at TJ Maxx, etc.

While I make a decent living, I rotate a handful of outfits each week, and I’ve had some pieces of clothing for many years (decades even).

There’s no reason why a teacher should wear jeans and a t-shirt to work.

Buying professional looking clothing on a small budget and keeping those pieces for years are mutually exclusive in the modern world. Cheaply made junk from fabrics that will not last exists at many price points, but utterly dominates the inexpensive ones.

Disagree.

You can find some of the same brands from major department stores at deep discounts at TJ Maxx, and certain fabrics can hold up for years/decades.

You can find machine-washable separates and dresses for $15-50 at TJ Maxx. I routinely wear $39-49 dresses to work.

And if you invest in a Ralph Lauren Oxford, those shirts last for generations. Literally.

Anonymous wrote:lol there are no people going to education. I wonder why. 😂

100%

Anonymous wrote:I think most people agree with the op in theory. It's just her tone that's pissing people off.

+1

Just curious what your school pays its staff and how far their commutes are. They might not be living the UMC life you are enjoying and it doesn't sound like you as a parent are nessarily making that workplace a great place to be.

I think most people agree with the op in theory. It's just her tone that's pissing people off.

That’s really too bad, OP. Did you observe this at school admissions events? Did you tour the school, support a shadow day? Why are you only noticing this now?

I’ve taught for 20 years at various private and independent schools across DC and MD. At one private, Catholic school we had to have 90% participation in the annual fund in order to “dress down” on Friday’s. To me, that’s another level of petty and disrespect for the profession.

At a few of the independent schools where I’ve taught, teachers have been incredibly more laid back, but never PJ pants as described. More casual and comfortable, but always professional.

I’m a PE teacher so I’m casual and comfortable everyday no matter where I teach …