I agree with Jennifer on this. Am I really more professional or a better teacher when I wear khakis than when I wear clean jeans and a clean T shirt? To me there is no reason to have uniforms other than to 'corporatize" me as a teacher and to make us look the same (bland). In general I'm not in favor of centers having this kind of control over teachers.
I understand the need to have a dress code--no holes in clothes, no clothes that are too revealing, no slogans/sayings on clothes that are sexual, etc. Two factors that need to be considered are that teachers need to be comfortable enough to sit on the floor, in tiny chairs, etc., and they will inevitable get paint, food, etc. on their clothes.
I also liked hearing feedback from teachers who appreciate having a dress code. I've heard similar feedback from parents whose children go to school in uniforms. I wonder what is driving your particular school to make this change and I wonder if there can be an option for a uniform shirt, but not a requirement.
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Aren Stone
Child Development Specialist
The Early Years Project
Cambridge, MA
she/her
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-04-2019 05:27 PM
From: Jennifer Hatcher
Subject: Teaching staff uniform
Hi Jeanette,
I once worked for a preschool that had a uniform for teachers. We needed to wear white polo shirts and black pants/ knee length skirts/or capris. All shoes needed to be closed toe. I really liked it because it was very easy to dress in the mornings. We bought our own white polo shirts from stores such as Walmart and black pants/skirts/or capris. The only issue I had was that we needed to wear a green apron with the school's logo on top of this that made movement a little harder.
I think uniforms are a great option for teachers. It makes outfit choices in the morning a breeze and helps employers reduce the problem of workers who may wear inappropriate clothing to work (showing too much cleavage etc.) less likely to occur. In the long run, it is also a more economical choice for teachers too. You would only need to buy 5 or so polo shirts/pants for a week's worth of outfits and replace when needed.
Another wonderful option would be to have your school's logo printed on a polo that the teachers could wear with pants or jeans. You could then offer it for a reduced price or free during the hiring process. The teacher (s) could then buy additional shirts, but this would be a great start to their work wardrobe.
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Jennifer United States
Original Message:
Sent: 07-04-2019 12:13 AM
From: Jeanette Antaki
Subject: Teaching staff uniform
I would like to have opinions/policy statements on teaching staff requirements for a uniform dress code. Students do not wear uniforms. I am opposed to this proposed requirement, and would appreciate assistance in articulating this stance.