I am a highschool history teacher, but i'm very young and look very young. how do i make myself look older??

Answer 1

I only teach fourth grade, but I am in your same boat...I'm very young (a first year teacher), and I worried about not being taken seriously. Be confident! You wouldn't have gotten a job if you weren't qualified...and the teaching credential you received is proof that you are old enough!

What I've found, however, that it's not so much about what your wear, but how you present yourself. If you speak to your students (and their parents) as an authority, they will accept you as one.
Be firm in your rules and consequences, and make sure you follow through with them. Don't worry about coming across as mean, they will respect that you keep your word and that you expect the best from them.


p.s. even though this is what i believe, it is important to dress professionally...this doesn't mean a suit everyday...but stay away from the jeans, even on casual days...i know it makes me feel less professional and less confident. good luck!

Answer 2

I was 21 when I started teaching seventh grade--I was closer in age to the students than to any of my colleagues! I dreaded being mistaken for a student. (But those days are no longer...)

One key element of your professional wardrobe is structure. You can look stylish and fashionable and still older. Look for tailored clothes. Collared, button-down shirts are inexpensive and wear well. (I love Van Heusen's shirts and Old Navy's) A blazer tossed over an outfit will instantly dress it up and make you look older. I think that the higher heels are fine, especially if you are short. I wear them to give me a height advantage! Even if your school has casual Fridays, pair your jeans with a dressier sweater or shirt to keep yourself professional. (Contrary to some earlier advice, I'd avoid long skirts or baggy clothes, because it might make you look as if you raided your mother's closet, and the end result would be looking as if you are trying to dress to look older, which would undermine the whole thing.)

Accessories are also important. Pearls and cameos are classic and work well to give you a professional look. Your school ID badge is a perfect accessory as well--put it on a nice beaded chain, wear it around your neck, and you have instant authority. Ditch the college backpack and get a nice leather-looking bag. (Of course, you can't afford real leather with your first year salary!) A simple makeup will work...eyeliner and mascara make you look finished and polished, and a darker lipstick is also good.

Enjoy your teaching experience!

Answer 3

The above answers are all great suggestions. You will definitely benefit from wearing a conservative wardrobe and hairstyle. Glasses can indeed add a more serious affect than without. You might also be mindful of how you carry yourself. Being poised, moving with confidence and purpose will also create an aura of maturity and professionalism. Make sure you maintain an authoritative, knowledgeable voice when addressing students. All of these components will help you look and feel perfect to do your job and teach as you wish to present yourself.

Answer 4

Okay, you have to do a reverse beauty makeup thing. To make yourself older, do the opposite of what makes you so young. Wear clothes that your grandmother wore, put heavy black makeup under your eyes, mess up your hair for a bit. Act hunchbacked. Then the student would be scared because a young teacher just had a train wreck into becoming an old teacher.

Answer 5

Follow the lead of Portia de Rossi in Ally McBeal - a severe bun, conservative gray and blue suits as well as slack shirt combinations. Low square heels and minimal makeup. Then after hours you can let your hair down and wear your pumps and regular clothes you'll feel like super girl. Good for you for wanting to be professional at work and gain the respect you deserve! Good Luck!

Answer 6

Hello-

Even though schools can be a casual environment be more business-like. Wear blazers, and/or suits. Short hair and up-do's look older wheras just wearing it long can make you seem young. The best thing is to look as polished as possible, and be as organized because then you stand out as an adult.

Answer 7

One of the best teachers I know looks very young and dresses young. Her success has nothing to do with her looks. She is an intelligent, assertive, innovative, organized, reliable, energetic, firm but fair teacher. It's not your looks that's matters, it's your behavior.

By the way, dear, "high school" is two words.

Answer 8

why would you ever want to do that?
haha
well I suppose you could just look more sophisticated and more classy
like wearing gap clothes - a nice sweater with dress pants and heels
remain fashionable but don't go for clothes you see in the juniors section

Answer 9

It seems that all of the answers would work (even the start smoking jab at your question) but I would suggest that you take the easy way to achieve your goal: STOP wearing any makeup and give up perms!

Answer 10

Don't dress like your students, or wear the same kinds of makeup that they do. It will tip them off that you're only a little older than them.