Before I start this blog, I think that it is important that I introduce myself and explain my reasoning behind creating this blog. My name is Doug. I'm a special ed teacher working in a high school in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, IL. This is my fourth year teaching, and like many teachers around the world, I have had my share of successes and struggles. I think just about all teachers have a learning curve when it comes to perfecting their instruction. This includes lesson planning, time management, controlling classroom behavior, and a number of other components. Luckily, most of these topics are hammered into your head during your college years, including student teaching. However, proper dress is something that most teachers were never properly trained in. I know it sounds condescending to imply that teachers don't know how to dress properly, but I bet everyone reading this right now can think of at least one teacher at your school that always comes to school looking very unprofessional. Right? You're picturing him right now aren't you? He may not be wearing denim and a T-shirt, but he just doesn't look good. And I say it's a "him" because let's be honest here, women are at least a little more fashionable than men in most situations. Fashion was never something that men could never openly admit that they enjoyed, or even thought about for that matter. There has just always been a very "feminine" vibe to caring about your appearance. As a result, many men are at a loss with fashion... and male teachers are no exception.
Take a look at this young man. Looks like he's fresh out of college, doesn't he? Out in the real world, ready to inspire young minds. Problem is, he doesn't look like a teacher. Instead, this young man looks like a high school student trying to dress up. Just looking at this picture, there are a number of major problems:
1. His shoes are square-nosed.
2. His pants are a pleated, classic-fit which makes them look excessively baggy.
3. The pants are also too long.
4. His button-up shirt is extremely baggy around the arms and torso.
5. White crewneck T-shirt which makes him look like he came straight from the gym.
Lets examine this young and presumably first-year teacher. How can he expect the students to treat him like a professional when he doesn't even look like one? I'm willing to bet that you know someone at work who dresses like this (or worse). You probably know many people like this. Heck, YOU probably dress like this! But that's OK! Most men (not just male teachers) really don't know how to dress properly. I'm here to help! Dressing better may be one of the easiest things that an educator can do to improve his teaching. Keep in mind, I'm not expecting you to go out and buy an Armani suit with Louis Vuitton boots and a tie that costs more than you spend on gasoline in a month. In fact, one of the great things about being a guy is that you don't need to have a walk-in closet full of dress shirts, 16 different kinds of shoes, and a room full of suits in fifty shades of.... navy blue. It's honestly not that hard to dress professional, and if you do it right, it won't cost that much either.
Some of you may think that I put too much importance in appearance. However, educators who look like students will be treated like students. Teachers who look like teachers will be treated like teachers.
