I was watching a news report last night regarding a school district in West Virginia that’s considering a dress code for teachers. Specifically, they are wanting to ban spandex, facial piercings, visible tattoos and overly-revealing clothes.
Never mind the piercings and tattoos for now. The main focus of this post is attire.
The teachers are complaining, saying that the dress code is unconstitutional. To a degree, their claims are justifiable, however so is the dress code. Although teachers shouldn’t be mandated to wear frumpy attire, they should dress professionally.
I went to a parent-teacher conference a couple of months ago and was shocked to see how one of the teachers was dressed. She was wearing a skin tight, mid-thigh length dress. That attire is fine for a date or a night on the town, but not in school. Especially, not for a teacher.
During the news report last night, they presented a question by someone on the school board. The person had asked if a teacher’s clothing really impairs a child’s ability to learn. My answer – Yes, it does. Let’s be realistic here. If a boy in the classroom is so caught up in gawking at the teacher, he’s not going to learn. His mind is going to be racing with thoughts, but none of them will be about the lesson being taught.
I have a son and know this to be true. He’s not going to hear a word the teacher says if she’s wearing a mini-skirt or showing too much cleavage.
Boys are already distracted enough in schools by their peers. They certainly don’t need to be lusting after their teachers. One of the women on the news broadcast made a statement which I’ll paraphrase. “Teachers could wear something like a black chic dress, which can still be sexy.” The keyword there, is “sexy”. Why does a teacher want to look sexy in front of children? What is the purpose behind that? Are they there to teach or to date?
A woman should be allowed to wear what she wants, within limits. If she works at a bar, a mini-skirt is appropriate. But if she works in a school, she should wear something professional. She shouldn’t wear something that is going to distract and entice the students. The thought of doing so, is disturbing to say the least. Should there really be any question as to why this is inappropriate?
What do you think? Do you think teachers should look sexy?
Me - Who am I? 
I agree. Teachers should represent themselves professionally. Not sexually. They shouldn’t look sexy in front of minors. They should look respectable.
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Yes, respectable. That’s the perfect word. How can they learn respect otherwise? In order to learn, a person must respect their teacher, whether it be in or outside of school.
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Totally agree! I work in a school and there is a dress code for teachers. Skirts to the knee, sleeves on blouses. Nothing low cut. Everyone looks neat and professional. 🙂
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That’s good to hear! I’m glad your school has a dress code for teachers. It’s unfortunate that there’s even a cause for one to be implemented. It should be common sense to dress appropriately in front of children.
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With every freedom there is responsibility and in this case the responsibility is to dress professionally. The tattoos and piercings are definately another debate entirely.
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I agree, Ryan. This is the career they chose and they should accept the responsibilities that come with it. I thought of you when I was writing the different items they are trying to ban. 🙂
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My 1-1/2″ holes in my ears would be difficult to hide! Ha!
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Yes they would. 🙂
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I’m in the military, and have to wear a tax-payer funded uniform. There is no reason that teachers cannot be subject to reasonably prudent dress codes. They are funded by taxpayers as well.
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Navigator, that is an excellent point. Thank you for sharing that. You are absolutely right.
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Minor (trivial, really) and reasonable infringements on liberty are so easily justified that it is an affront to justice to proclaim a human rights issue. Where what you want, but not to the point of T&A or trashiness.
Is this more an issue with female teachers?
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I agree. People will make a huge stink out of the most minor of issues.
Although, I think that it is more of an issue for female teachers, the rule should apply to all. In my opinion, men shouldn’t be allowed to wear muscle shirts or overly tight pants that reveal their nether regions.
It’s all about behaving and dressing appropriately in a position which warrants respect.
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It appears as if we are in agreement on the issue.
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Agreed. 🙂
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I have a huge problem with any adult dressing ‘sexy’ or inappropriately in a classroom setting. Why would have to, or want to, dress like that to teach children? Most people I know work in environments where they are required to dress appropriately for the job. Teachers are no exception.
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I agree. No one, male or female, in that type of position should look sexy. You’re right also that every (well, most) other environments has some type of dress code. As a teacher, why would they even fight to look sexy? That makes me question their motives. If they wanted to walk around half naked, why did they choose a teaching career in the first place? There’s a time and place for revealing clothing. A school is not one of them.
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BRAVO! Very well said!
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Thank you, Colleen.
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I am totally with you. Time and place.
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Exactly. Thank you, Tric.
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Where were all the sexy teachers when I was in school… not fair…
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It’s not too late. Go back to school or take a tour. You’ll certainly see them, especially here in Denver.
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I like Denver even more now! lol
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As a former teacher, I agree with you completely. Looking stylish and hip and professional is possible without looking sexy. Any argument about a first amendment right is ridiculous–grow up and save sexy for outside of the classroom! Great post!
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This is good to hear coming from a former teacher, because you’ve been there and know just how important this is. You’re right, you can look stylish without enticing others. Thank you so much for your comment.
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I agree with you. A person can be attractive and fashionable without having to show more than necessary. There is the right attire at the right place/right time.
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Imelda, I second that. Sometimes a person is even more attractive when they leave things to the imagination. Why reveal everything, especially in front of children? You’re right, there is a time and place for everything.
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I believe teachers should look professional. I know at my daughter’s school, they teachers are able to by and Education Qld polo to wear with pants or a skirt. It’s not compulsory but many of the teacher wear them because it is also a tax deduction.
My First Born begins her very first high school teaching job next week. She is working at a private school and they asked her to cover the tattoo on her foot. I don’t see a problem with it and neither does she. I think it’s a fair call to expect any person working in a profession to dress professionally.
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A teacher? I bet she makes you makes you very proud. That’s great. I agree, it shouldn’t be a problem to adhere to something as simple as dressing appropriately in the workplace.
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You know I just realised I never replied to this… sorry 😦
Yes, I am very proud of her and I think she will make a wonderful teacher. She starts on Monday actually. So very excited for her.
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