How would you write a dress code for teachers to help them look professional and still be comfortable w kids?

Question

I need help writing a dress code for teachers at an elementary school. Last year, our dress code was pretty lax, but the rules that were there were not enforced, and toward the end of the year, there were parent complaints that some of the teachers were not dressing professionally enough to suit them. So, the principal has now made a VERY rigid dress code and we teachers are not allowed to wear any capri pants, no open toed shoes...pants are supposed to be regular length and have 1 inch of loose material around the thighs and buttocks, shoes must be closed toe but NOT tennis shoes, nothing sleeveless, nothing see-through.....I mean, some of this stuff is self-explanatory, like who would really wear low-cut tops or tight jeans to work with children, but this is ridiculous. We live in Florida, we teach 5-10 year olds, and we are expected to stand outside during mid-day on the playground with NO SHADE and supervise recess, we are expected to get down on the kids' level in 90 degree

heat with long pants and closed shoes....

The kids are required to wear uniforms, but those uniforms are short sleeved polo shirts and they have a choice of wearing the shirt with long pants, shorts that are within 2 inches of the knee, or skorts for girls. And the parents made the dress code for the kids, we didn't. We teachers are trying to convince the principal that we can wear capri pants and nice sandals and still look professional.

So, my question really is, how can the dress code be worded so that capri and gaucho type pants (some of which are very professional) can be included but outfits that are too casual are excluded? I mean, someone in a nice rayon sleeveless sundress looks much more professional than a person in a polo shirt and khaki pants, but the dress code says we need to wear the latter. Not to mention, it's very difficult to even FIND long pants and closed shoes here in south Florida, where it's hot pretty much year round. HELP!

Yeah...about the men...the only two men on staff are the PE teahers and they are allowed to wear any shorts and t-shirts they want, and tennis shoes, obviously. The principal just asked them to use good judgement and not wear anything too short or too tight. Hmmm.....doesn't seem fair, does it?

How exactly are linen or rayon capri pants and sandals with heels NOT professional? I've seen people in LAW FIRMS dressed this way, for crying out loud!

Answer 1

The best dress code it the one that is detailed.
Dress codes don't work well if everyone does not understand them and they are not complete. Yes they need to be simple to understand. Even teachers can bend the rules when they want.
I feel teachers should always dress like professionals. A sloppy or inappropriately dressed teacher will not be the best teacher. In all walks of life you find that those that take pride in their look will do a better job. When we dress to fit the job we strive to make a statement as the best at that job. I have volunteered in schools, elementary schools, and have found some teacher to look professional while others so relaxed that they should have stayed home.
Loose fitting gauze dresses are unflattering. So is tie-dye and flip flops. I have seen curve hugging attire too. It can turn any principals head and sometime I think this is more reason to get noticed.
When ever the school was having their teachers meetings the teachers dress up more (even revealing) to get the principals attention. Does this guarantee their job? Or is it something else.
Look at other jobs and the relationships and how the females strive for attention.
Pilots vs Flight Attendants
Doctors vs Nurses
Lawyers vs Law aides
Judges vs attorneys
Professors vs Teacher aides

I think all teachers should dress like professionals as so to represent their school and school district well. Parents dont want to address a teacher in coulottes, and low tops or spaghetti straps. It is just not appropriate.

Answer 2

Do what our school system did, the rules changed when it was over a certain degree of heat in the summer, [or under on a very cold day, I live in the midwest, so this was an issue].. And maybe the rules could change for playground duty. For instance, when it is hot, loose burmuda shorts, a collared shirt, and safe shoes would be an OK thing.
Be glad you did not practice when I was growing up. We had 100 +degree temps in the summer, and the teachers had playground duty in hose, girdles, closed heeled shoes, and probably a long line bra under a rayon dress. It is a wonder they didn't die. Back then, anything that you could see through, and see underwear, or the line of underwear, was taboo. Often they wore a suit, the men took their jackets off, and so did the women, but it is difficult to remove a girdle! And you are right, it is not fair that the gym teachers get to wear their shorts around the school. Their shorts should be for when they are teaching. In the halls, or on playground duty, they should be made to wear long pants, like everyone else.

Answer 3

You leave me wondering just how many of these kids parents were actually part of the decision making process on deciding what the kids or teachers should be wearing and how many were actually complaining. You might find that this is all from one small group of religious fanatics who have decided on a school board take over.
You have 4 choices at least. Protest and possibly sue the school board over the dress code. Adapt to the dress code the best that you can, have a teachers delegation discuss it with the parents and the school board or simply organize with the other teachers to take organized job action, strike or quit. I understand Florida is even advertising here in Canada for any qualified teachers who might be interested so if they are that desperate for teachers you have some leverage.

Answer 4

The shoe part might be because of liability and workman's comp issues that have nothing to do with fashion. Check with your boss.

I would just ask that teachers make every effort to look like adult teachers and not teenage baby sitters. No short shorts, but Bermudas would be OK in hot weather. Sleeveless is OK, but tank tops are not. Pants should not be tight. You're teaching, not trolling for dates. Hair and make-up should be neat and age-appropriate. Tennis shoes are OK, but flip flops aren't.

What's the code for men?

Answer 5

I think all the teachers should wear polo shirts, khakis and tennis shoes. You are there to teach and you need to be comfortable in order to perform your job duties.

I don't believe open toed shoes are appropriate for anyone working with children for several reasons, but the main reason being that you need a good supportive shoe to keep up with kids, and sandals just don't cut it in that area.

I wouldn't want to be in your position to have to argue such a strict dress code. Good luck!

Answer 6

Sorry but Capri pants and sandals are not professional attire.

I sympathize with your having to be our in the sun on warm days but an a-line skirt with loafers would be just as comfortable.

Answer 7

no clue