so here's the thing - I typically don't talk about my clothing
yes, I like to think that I'm changing the perception of teachers
and how we dress
every day I choose NOT to wear a jean jumper with a holiday beaded necklace
but there is just one thing that is always on my mind...
modesty.
and the double standard in the teaching profession
working in my first classrooms at the mere age of 21
how I've dressed has always been a priority
obviously when young you want parents to take you seriously
not to mention your students and other teachers
Seems reasonable enough - right? Well, here is where the double standard comes in. I watch every square inch of my skin that is "exposed" to my students. I wouldn't dare show bare shoulders in the classroom, let alone cleavage. However, I have found in my many schools that this is where the biggest double standard lies. For me, a centimeter of cleavage could send the rumor mill running, and I've known many young teachers to be "talked to" over such an offense. But apparently, if I was older and top-heavy, I could easily show three inches of cleavage without batting an eye.
so - here's my thought
we as educators should always be examples of dressing for the occasion
when the occasion is school - we should dress accordingly
with that being said, I'll keep my constant supply of
tights, tank tops, slips, leggings, & sweaters
ready for daily use
and continue to become even further out of touch
with what a "regular" 27 year old would find
to be too short...
one final thought on my "proper teacher dress"
there once was a day when a teacher would never be confused with the janitor
I cannot say that to be true nowadays
enough said.
image: me & my lil' sis at our aunt's wedding this past september
alm's park - cincinnati, ohio
