Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Ahmed,
This is what professionalism is all about. We need to set the standard for our students.
Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Ahmed Shahid

I completely agree, if an instructor is dressed properly the students are encouraged to dress properly at school and their professional careers as well.

The way you present yourself is usually the way you want to be treated.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Heidi,
Good question and one that can get complicated very easily. First, make sure to check with your administration about what their expectations are. Next is there an alternative to scrubs? For example, could you wear a lab coat? Would that put you in a position of authority with your students by your appearance in wearing a clean, crisp lab coat or would that be too formal?
If common practice in your school is to wear scrubs like the students and your administrative supports that then I would suggest scrubs.
Gary

Heidi Paulsen

I teach massage therapy, we must wear short sleeves. The students wear scrubs. So far, I have not worn scrubs as I think that they are difficult to move in, are hot, and look sloppy. To be professionally dressed, should I wear scrubs too? Thanks. Heidi

Jeanna Andres

I agree completely on this subject. I teach medical assisting and the standards for appearance are much different than other fields. I feel I am an example to my students as to how they should present themselves daily after graduation. I stress the cleanliness and appearance of the uniform, that they should iron their uniform, clean white shoes, hairstyles, make up & nails, etc.
I cannot stress to them the importance of their appearance, if I am not willing to do the same.

CHARMAINE JULIEN

As with punctuality, the instructor who is professionally and appropriately dressed speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Karen,
Great list! Thank you for sharing it with us. This is a very effective list for instructors to use in helping their students to prepare for interviews.
Gary

Karen Given

When I taught leadership and management for graduating college seniors, we discussed "Dress for Success" by a point system.

One for each listed below;

"purposeful hair" (combed, controlled, colors nature provided. . .not pink, blue or green)

makeup for women, facial hair grooming for men

pieces of jewelry each count one point
(earring pairs are l point, but 6 rings in 1 ear are 6 points)rings count as 1 each, watch,
bracelet, professional name badge 1 point each

clothes are 1 point (clean, wrinkle free,dark colors favored higher than bright colors, and appropriate for business skin exposure)

Belt is 1 point, shoes are 1 point if clean, business appropriate, can you run in them in an emergency as opposed to falling 4 inches to the ground and risking injury in high heels)

Neutral scent is 1 point. What smells nice to you may be noxious to others. Also remember there are positive and negative body scents AND ODORS.

So, . . .less than 8 points, consider yourself underdressed as a professional

More than 12 points, you are probably overdressed/accessorized for professional dress.

So ask yourself. . .how do I look and what is my professional appearance total?

Karen G.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Dale,
Keep up dressing professionally for your students. This gives them a model for their profession and earns their respect. They need a standard by which they know when they are representing their career in a proper way.
Gary

Dale Olson

Even though our college dress code does not require me to wear a tie, I always to. There have been a few college functions outside of class that have allowed me to wear jeans and my students are shocked to see me dressed that way.

Niles Charlet

I agree with you. I remember when I was a student and instructor who had distracting clothing on (bright colors, odd patterns, etc) would make me loose my train of thought.

With women, loud and noisy braclets are distracting as well. Or if they have loud shoes...if it's concrete floor.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Lorena,
So true. This is where professional judgment comes into presenting one's self as an educator to be respected and listened to.
Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Ann,
Didn't know that. Thanks for the information.
Gary

Lorena Alvarez

I agree, I teach intro to Fashion and you need to draw a fine line between showing respect for the content and not taking attention from your content based on your attire.

M. Clinger

Dressing professionally is very important! Your students will be focused on your appearance rather than what you are saying if you do not take your apperance seriously.

ann kay

research has swown that wearing long sleeves creates an authorative image vs short sleeves

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Williams,
You make a very good point. Your dress can distract from a well prepared and presented lecture because the students become focused on your appearance rather than content. This is very good advice for beginning instructors. Thanks.
Gary