I wear a shirt and tie about twice a week. In class I could use this as a lesson on fractions by explaining that I look amazing two fifths of the time. Our school is fairly casual and has a laid back attitude toward staff dress. I appreciate that. Three fifths of the time I enjoy jumping into a pair of khakis, and pulling on a school polo. I have about 17, and most are very comfortable.
Today was a definite shirt and tie day which coincided with a definite polo shirt day. It was 3rd Grade’s Invention Convention. Students have worked for 5 weeks on these creations that would improve daily life. They journaled their progress, obtained feedback from peers, and presented it in a pie graph. Their work would be on display in the evening from 5:30 until 7:00, and they were going to ask visitors for feedback. Parents, grandparents, and family members would be in the building. It’s important to be noticeable as the teacher in an event like this. However, there was also Track practice from 3:15 to 5:15. It’s nice to be comfortable outside as Arizona
In college professors always took the time to discuss appropriate dress. “Can you bend over without anything showing? Can you reach up without anything showing?” “Nobody wants to see your tummy!” “Once there was an intern who….” “You have to be very mobile as a teacher. Your back shouldn’t be exposed when you bend over.” “This goes for you gentlemen, as well.” I think I have had every education professor give the same speech. “I wouldn’t wear your best clothes,” a professor told us once. “You’re going to get finger painted on and thrown up on.”
I disagree. I wore my newest shirt and nicest tie today. I don’t need to have that Red Carpet Look every day, but it is important for the kids to see what it looks like when you are dressed appropriately for events like the Invention Convention. And, it’s important to show them what it looks like when you go to work. Every day we come together to learn, analyze data, set goals, assess progress, synergize, and create projects. My nicest outfit seemed appropriate for a day at the office.
After the Invention Convention was over, after cleaning my room, I decided I needed to stop at Target on the way home. (I have been mistaken as a Target employee when wearing my red school polo to the store.) When I was checking out, the cashier of college age said, “You look like you got some place to be.”
Nah, I don’t.
“Well, you look like you’ve been at work all day.”
Yup.
I’m willing to bet that teacher would not have been his first guess if he was trying to decipher my occupation. But, it is nice to be viewed as someone who has done something really important that day, even if this only happens about two fifths of the time.
