Do teachers need a "Proper Attire 101"?

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Story

I'm usually the one carrying the banner for casual clothing. At work I generally wearing a tie, if not a suit - but let's face it, i'm asking clients to trust me with all of their finances, i should look fairly professional. Outside of the office you will rarely find me in anything but shorts and a casual shirt - and don't forget the Van's tennisshoes. i've been wearing them for 20 years, now.

That being said, shouldn't we expect our teachers to dress professionally for their jobs? other than field trips and the like, i don't think i ever saw my teachers wearing jeans. male teachers wore ties every single day, some even wore jackets. female teachers always wore dresses or a nice pair of slacks and blouse. i don't remember ever having a teacher who dressed anything approaching risque.

how can a young teacher expect to gain respect and control over the students if they are trying to look exactly like one of the students?

fortunately some teachers still get it.

Mark Berntson, who teaches high school band in West Fargo, North Dakota, wears a tie each day. It's a tradition he began years ago to stand out from his students. He does not wear blue jeans to class often, saving them for occasions such as the first day of baseball season.

"I don't think I'm taken as seriously if I'm dressed down and I don't think I take my job as seriously if I'm dressed down," he said. "When I dress more professionally, I think I teach better, I think I'm received better, and I think I show more respect for my profession."