I am a first year teacher in second grade and I am wondering how to dress on the first day of school. I know this seems silly but I'm want to look professional but I don't want to be "too" professional if that makes any sense. I look very young for my age so I want to give off an image to my parents on the first day that I am "grown up" and responsible for their children. I want for to be taken seriously. At the same time, I am teaching out in the sticks (I love it!) so I don't want to come off as being stuck up either. What should I do?
Definately dress professional. I did an internship last year in second grade, and while you have to dress comfortable, you also want to establish your authority with staff, students, and parents. I wish I would have done a better job with this - and now regret it. For the first day you might want to wear a skirt or dress - or if you would rather wear pants I would say to wear a nice pair of dress pants with a blouse. Other things to remember: Don't wear pants that ride too low or shirts that are too low cut/not long enough!
I would talk to your colleagues & principal and see what is the protocol for dress. You will want to step-it up a bit from what is the norm. I do agree that you don't want to go all out and appear as aloof and snotty. Yet, you need to set a great first impression. A nice pair of slacks and a dressy blouse is perfect. Use accessories to upgrade the look as well as your shoes. Good luck...
I will probably wear slacks, and a dress shirt w/ my favorite cozy black shoes (that are still dressy- they just are comfy).
Hi, I have the same problem. I'm 26 and have often been told that I look more like 18, particuarly since I wear my hair up a lot (easier that way). Half of my parents are around my age or younger, so it's important for me to look professional from the get go. I usually stick with dress slacks, banana republic has a nice fit, and button-up blouses that don't have to be tucked in, but are long enough so that when you raise your arms up, no skin shows. Oh, and remember, no cleavage. I see so many teachers that are showing way more than they should. Top this off with some dainty inch long earrings and a necklace, you should be good to go Sadly, I often just wear black or khaki dress slacks Skirts are too much trouble for me with first grade, particuarly since I use a lot of movement for teaching.
We have it easy our first day...the teachers wear our hunter green school polo shirts, usually with khakis. We meet our students outside the first day (this is when they find out which class they are in) and we are easily identifiable as staff.
priority is to be comfortable....if you are not comfortable with what you are wearing it will show. ask other teachers...it won't be a stupid question and then maybe step it up one notch because you are new and look young.
I'm going to wear a nice pair of cropped pants, and a nice blouse with some dressy sandals( of course I will take my handy ultra comfortable flats). I too look very young for my age so I usually try to wear a more grown-up hair style and accessories. I also promised myself that I would try to wear make-up everyday this year(maybe I'll make it past Dec. this time!)
On the first day, I'm going to either wear a cute sundress with an open blouse over top with a pair of dressy sandals, or a shirt and skirt with dressy sandals.
Hmmm, quick question on my part. Do you think my capri black pants and a white cap-sleeve Blouse (looks like a maternity blouse with the tie in the back, but hey, it's comfortable ) is okay to wear on the first day? Or should I go with slacks and a blouse? Our school is not a very dressy school, but then again, we don't wear jeans, except on Fridays. Windsuits are also allowed on fridays.
back from the beach outfit Oooh, I'm going for the "back to school---from the beach look" I'm going with the coral colored tiered skirt... and sleeveless white blouse a touch of dress with 100% of the fun loving comfort clothing
Since you are going to be a first year teacher. I would dress on the more professional side the first day. On the first day I tend to wear a nice skirt and blouse. The first day all the parents are going to want to meet the "new" teacher! After the first couple of weeks you can feel out how the others dress and change your style to fit.
If you're planning on buying a work wardrobe, you'll probably want to start off getting nice pants & skirts in several colors & nice blouses & shirts, & a few comfortable pairs of shoes in black & a couple of other colors. That's the kind of thing I'll be wearing as an RSP teacher. I do have a few suits though that I can wear for meetings & other special days. If you really want to wear a suit for your first day, a casual one is nice, but don't over do it. Then during the first week, see how everyone else dresses & dress similar (regarding how casual they are, not necessarily their fashion sense of style, unless that's what you like!) But overall throughout the year, don't be too much dressier than the others. They may think you're trying to be snobbish or think you're better than they are.
MissV- pretty!! I never saw that website before- great price on that skirt!! corps2005- You don't want to start rumors with a top that looks maternity. Do you have any other tops options?
In the same vein of things, I am teaching a new class this year. It's a special education class that involves feeding and diapering, so I'm thinking that a skirt or dress--my usual back to school look--won't work since I don't want to get it caught up in lifting kids or in wheelchairs. I was thinking about a nice pair of capris and a blouse until I get a feel for the class. Does that sound okay?
Trinda- sounds great!! I thik most administrators (should) consider the job requirements when lookin at dress. An art teacher can't be expected to wear business suits, a kindergarten teacher might be on the floor much of the day, a special ed teacher such as yourself has lifting, body fluids, food issues to deal with. These things must be considered when choosing attire yet still be neat, clean and appropriate.
Last year, I wore the uniform (same as the kids) every day. I figure if they gotta, I'm gonna. This year I am going to a uniform-less school. I had to go out and buy somethings, but overall, I think you need to look like you cared enough about your appearance but still work with children. Like a professional mom. That's probably what you'll feel like anyway.
I wear capri's all the time in the summer, my favorite. On the first day of school I always wear a casual skirt. I always wear long skirts and t-shirt type shirts that are comfortable when you are bending over helping kids.
Trinda, I agree absolutely! What's "professional" for me teaching math is "absurd" for someone in your circumstances. What you described sounds great.
