Student Teaching Success- Dress Code

What to Wear

One of the most important things when starting in a teaching profession is what you wear. It can really help! Yes, this is a sad truth but giving the right impression can really help you land a future job why not start while student teaching?!

DO – Read the manual

All schools have some sort of dress code, make sure to read the manual for your school which should be given out or you can ask for one.
If you have any questions, run them by your cooperating teacher – he or she should know the basic rules for most items.

DO – Be professional

It is always better to be more dressed up than dressed down! Go shopping before! Some of my favorite stores are Old Navy, Target (clearance!!!), and TJ Maxx.
I did participate in jeans days at my school and school support color days. I know some schools that say you should be dressed up everyday – as if it were an interview. Get a feel for your school whatever you feel comfortable doing.
Make sure it is comfortable though- flats are your best friend! You will be standing A LOT! Stock up now.
Short skirts/dresses and low cut tops (for ladies) are never acceptable. If it is in question – leave it out!! I won’t buy any dresses I can’t wear to school now.

DO – get lots of basics

I find it so much easier to have basic pants, shirts, dresses, that I can change out with shoes, jewelry, or a cardigan. It’s easier to dress in the morning and planning outfits doesn’t take as much time.
Starting out you probably don’t have a ton of professional clothes, stocking up on basics that you can build on over years is a great place to start! You might rotate a few outfits at first but changing out pieces and gaining some new ones you’ll be surprised by how many outfits you can make.

I have a couple posts devoted to this topic:

Professional dress- here
Where to shop for clothes – here

Share any tips for dressing in a school!

Posted in student teaching

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Anonymous on July 11, 2013 at 1:51 pm

I couldn't agree more with this post. I am going to hop over and look at your places to shop post next. Loft clearance is another one of my favorites!

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