I walked the halls of the kids school the other day and wondered how to tell the difference between the teacher, students and parents.
I’m sitting in the drop off line at the elementary school and see the group of adults helping kids out of the car and into the school. I’m seeing jean shorts, sandals, tank tops. I go into Shae’s orientation and the conversation goes into dress code. Her teacher actually said, “don’t mind that i’m wearing flipflops just don’t send your kids to school in them”, a do as I say not as I do mentality. The woman at the front desk was wearing these wildly embellished faded and frayed jean shorts. Inappropriate was the first word that came to mind.
what not to wear
In the halls of the high school Sabreena, Shae and I were leaving the guidance counselors office after a quick meeting. We were approaching Sabreena’s previous counselor and who I thought was student because they were wearing a football jersey and micro mini jean skirt. As we passed the duo their conversation didn’t hesitate and the counselor proceeded to talk about how she didn’t like how someone was acting and ending it with “She’s just a bitch“. I head spun to look at them both. The other person was a teacher and they both instantly realized what happened. It wasn’t a fine moment for either of them. Sabreena rolled her eyes and shook her head, disappointed in who were supposed to be the leaders within the school walls.
Growing up I remember teachers in business attire. Men wore trousers, button down shirts and often ties. Women wore pant suits, dresses and sensible shoes. There was never a bedazzled tee in sight.
Teacher have a responsibility to do more than just educate. They are there to inspire and mentor and support. Teachers should be conveying a sense of authority and professionalism each day in front of students, staff and families . How seriously can I take a teacher when she’s wearing leopard print leggings.
My HS junior year history teacher was a ball buster. She was only 4’10” but she gave off a sense of power and confidence with her bold shoulder pads, crisply ironed slacks and no nonsense attitude. I don’t get that today from teachers. I wonder if teachers has lost their passion. I wonder if they are just going through the motions. Impressions are everything.
Attention teachers: Don’t be my kid’s friend. Don’t try to relate with a younger generation by wearing your ipod headphones around your neck. Don’t ask my kid where they got their sweater. Don’t think by keeping a copy of 50 Shades of Gray on your desk you’re suddenly cool.
