When I was in school, the only thing that teachers used to kill, was my opportunity to talk to my friends and all the pretty girls during class. Nowadays, teachers are killin’ it in the style arena and students are taking notice! I know what you think, teachers have been wearing neckties sweaters, blazers, loafers, and creased pants for as long as we can remember. As you know by now, any fool can wear clothes, but it takes a real G to put together a great look, something edgy, but professional, something neat but not too perfect, something that doesn’t make you look like Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood. No disrespect to the late OG of kids TV, but today’s students wouldn’t be impressed. The point is that if you want the respect that Joe Clark had in Lean on me, you’ve gotta dress the part like he did. He also told a Sams to jump off a roof, if he wanted to waste his life doing dope, but we not going to talk about that. What I will emphasize though, are the reasons why it’s important for teachers to take pride in their appearance, who’s watching and share some signature looks to get you moving in the right direction.
Why Style Matters
I’ll never get tired of talking about why it matters to step out looking fresh. Style isn’t just about putting on a bunch of expensive clothes or throwing on a suit. It’s about how that suit of other garment fits your body. It’s about that feeling you get when you know that you are dressed to take on the world. Whereas some teachers may believe, getting dressed is only plays a small part of the process, to get you to the teaching part of the day, they couldn't be any more wrong. My wife is a teacher and on those tough days, It’s all about the mindset. Actually, everyday is about the mindset. That pep talk that you give yourself, so you can go and deal with the student’s issues, your personal issues and everything in between, but still effectively do your job is important. Another critical part of mindset is how you look. If you look like success, you just might feel and act like a success. Outside of mindset, there are a couple of other characteristics that carry over from your style to your performance.
Being a planner--Taking the time to plan out your look, to get your clothing tailored and to relate to your surroundings or audience, may also carry over to the way that you plan your lessons, or prepare for your lecture, or motivate your teacher staff.
Being meticulous-- Attention to details such as shining your shoes, or for the ladies, ensuring that you’ve got your makeup looking right, all play into elevating your style. Similarly attention to detail may carry over into how you meet the needs of your diverse group of students and management team. For these reasons and more, STYLE MATTERS!
Who Cares?
First of all, You should! Lack of care about your appearance, does a great disservice to yourself. Self care is a form of self love. And if you don’t love yourself or care about your footprint in the world, why should anyone else?
The students--As much as they act like they don’t care about anything, they’re watching. That statement pertains to all grade and education levels, but more so for the middle school students and up. Not only is it good to be a shining role model of how to practice self pride and self care, but you’re less likely to get spitballs flung at your meticulously orchestrated outfit, than if you were looking wack. These kids will try you, and they judge you within the first 7 seconds of meeting you. Just like adults! So don’t underestimate the power of a positive first impression, just because they’re younger than you. You’re also one of their main role models and the reality is that in some cases, they see you more than they see their own families. Of course not counting this virtual environment, where parents see waaaay too much of their kids and are ready to pass the torch back to the teachers. So when the person, that students see the most, are looking great, it will inspire them to do the same. Doesn’t matter if the type of clothes differ and kids want to rock Jordans or Yeezys instead of wing tips, but the basics and mindset are all the same.
Administration--If you’re a teacher, your boss is watching. If you are administration, your peers and boss are watching. Putting a bit of effort will get you noticed for special projects that can gain you visibility. Folks will know that you actually take your job seriously if you show up in something other than the khakis that you’ve been sporting all week long. Style within the education field is a balancing act because you’re dressing for 3 audiences; yourself, your students, and your peers/bosses. So hats off to those that are doing it big!
Notable teachers
Everybody needs a role model every now and then to bring things into perspective. Here are a few with a track record to boot.
Mr. Harris--This was the first dapper teacher that I ever encountered when i started going to middle school in the 90’s. He was the only black male teacher at the school and he came to school everyday decked out in a well coordinated suit and a dope pair of shoes. To the guys, he was black excellence, the cool guy. To the girls, he was Morris Chestnut. To all black kids he was a beacon of hope. I particularly remember the 3 piece suit as his staple look.He wasn’t even my teacher, which spoke to how polarizing his swag and good style was, even to teens who are usually self absorbed.
Eric C.--Eric is a Dean at one of the leading charter schools in New York City. His style ranges from camouflage jeans and J’s (Jordans) to a full suit with tie and pocket square. I would best describe his style as chameleon. When he walks into the room he wants to be the embodiment of making an impact without saying a word. So whether he’s with his students or in a board meeting, he adapts!
Darrell H.-- Darrell is a high school teacher in the DC area. DC don’t play when it comes to style and individuality, and Darrell is no different. He considers his style as “Cool professor”, the intellectually fashion forward gent. This means that his look is always smart. His style is a great blend that complements his eclectic personality. “If you could talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with Kings nor lose the common touch” is one of my favorite quotes from the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling. It speaks about the duality of ones personality to connect with different types of people but keep true to ones-self. If this quote were a person, Darrell would be that person.
Mona G--Mona is an elementary school educator in Long Island, New York. Ladies, although I mainly address the style needs of men, many of my tips apply broadly across all genders. Take Mona for instance, who happens to be my beautiful wife. She teaches early elementary education, but even at the age of 5 and 6 years old, kids notice when she puts in the effort and they complement her accordingly! Her “Teacher chic” style as she calls it, must look good but also be durable enough to last a days worth of bending, sitting down, squatting and scooting with her little ones. She favors a professional look that’s not too buttoned up, so it’s still kid friendly. She also ensures that she applies make up, so her face radiates life and energy, even on the days that the students seem to drain it all out of her!
Signature Looks
You’ve got to find what type of look works best for you. It’s easy to just say, throw on a suit, but it requires more effort than that. You have to consider:
Location/ Type of school- Public schools may be more amenable to business casual or casual dress (at least casual Friday), so you may have the opportunity to implement a more relaxed look. With Jordans, jeans and a blazer. Whereas in a private school environment, you may be expected to be more buttoned up, and reach for that 3 piece suit and tie.
Age group/audience--For those educating the younger minds like Mona, you may find yourself considering, comfort and durability as you dress up. So you might lean towards synthetic blends that bend and stretch easily and wrinkle free shirts that will keep you looking fresh throughout the day. However, as you educate at a higher level such as high school or college, you can get away with wearing more luxurious fabrics such as your wool slacks and blazers, that don’t flex as much and soft grain leather shoes. To these bright young minds, you might be the first look of what to expect and how to dress once they hit the “real world.”
Like any sensible person, read the room. Create a look that expresses who you are while remaining suitable for whichever audiences you encounter throughout your day. If other educators are dressing “any old kind of way,” don’t be afraid to change the game. Trust me, you’ll see the difference in how your students, peers and managers perceive you, versus the rest. Remember, that great style gets you noticed in a positive light. Once you’ve captured their attention, they’re wide open to hearing what you’ve got to say.
Stay Suitabull guys.
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