Dress code
I find that our dress code helps set the standard and our expectations for professionalism at all times.
I teach surgical technology. Out of the five day week, three days are for lectures & two for lab practicals. On my lecture days after taking attendance I perform what my classes refer to as "THE MARCH". Everyone goes outside the room & reenters. I check their dress & if it doesn't meet school code they can’t enter class until dressed properly-regardless of the day's schedule (lecture, quiz, exam, etc.). They are required to be appropriately dressed with proper ID, hair style, clean clothes, hygiene, etc.). Whatever they miss until their return(if they do)is the result of their own lack of proper readiness.Essentially, this is preparation in and for the work place as a professional...
Hi John,
Great point! As educators we must be the professional that we want our students to become. Lead by example!!
Patricia Scales
Teaching at a school that actually grades our student body partially on how they do/don't dress professionally, I like what James Vivian wrote. So often preparing ourselves mentally, going over the lesson plan, prepping teaching aides, even internal paperwork winds up taking up alot of time&effort before a class starts. Providing a good example as a "leader" and "role-model" for the class is critical. Taking a moment to observe our own outfit/uniform, what state our papers,folders,briefcases,etc are in, and if we appear "out-of-sorts' are all important. Sure, we don't want to be obsessive over our appearance alone, but subconsciously or not, our students make opinions of our professionalism based on appearance in degrees.
We have a dress code...but it only matters for the early stages in the program. Very early, they are fitted for uniforms and are required to wear them to attend. (We are a certificate granting, technical school.)
One way I've found to help get through the early (pre-uniform) stages is to ask the students on the first few days of classes to look at how they are dressed that day, as follows:
"Take a minute to think about what you're wearing today. Would I hire you. Do you project professionalism? If I saw you in an interview, would you make a good impression? If you showed up on-site to repair my equipment, would you be dressed appropriately for the profession?"
It helps...but it's still a struggle.
I emphasize the dress code is part of safety. We work with animals. I tell the students the scrubs they are assigned helps avoid bringing home pathogens to their own pets. Footwear assures they will not slip while carrying a patient and keeping their scrubs hemmed and tied at the waist means they will not drag the floor or impede their normal body mechanics.
