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Trinidad Dress Standards For Teachers - Page 2

In my high school, about four years ago - there was a strict uniform/ dress code for pupils - trousers, shirt, tie and blazer (jacket). In some ways this was great - although all the surrounded schools didn't have such a formal uniform, it felt good to look porffesional sometimes - and I never feel awkard these days putting on a suit.

However, as me and my friends got a bit older, inevitably we sought to develop our individual styles, and along with this came rebellion against authority!

The boys would shorten their ties until you could only just see the peak jutting out of the knot, un-tuck thier shirts, scruff their hair and try to get away with wearing trainers (sneakers). The main sense of style, or "fad" was with the skateboarders - we would colour our ties in with felt tip pens, draw slogans on out backpacks - it was really fun just to see who would go the furthest.

A lot of the girls would spend a substantial part of their day shortening their skirts to an unbelievable length, only to have a teacher tell them off five minutes later, and then repeat the process! They could only wear skirts for a long time until the school introduced the brightest green trousers anyone had thought possible - understandably they didn't go down too well.

Before I get carried away, basically what I'm saying is, no matter what dress standards are enforced in a school; their are always going to be those kids that seek to customise it any way they can as an expression of style and identity - and that's half the fun; it's something the teachers will seldom get to do!

Teachers Standards Dress Trinidad

I agree that some sort of dress code should be put in effect but if the Ministry decides that I have to wear this or that, then they will surely hear my opinion. Firstly we must remember that teachers are adults who should be given some sort of freedom on dress but this is how the problem came about in the first place isn't it? So what do we do about it? Do we take the Ministry's approach and 'punish' all teachers for what a few are doing? Well here is a bright idea! Deal with those who obviously are not being professional. It was the same with the cell phones, a few teachers had no manners and had their cells ringing during class time and ole talking, and they wanted to ban all cell phones in schools, teachers and students. Well we know where that went don't we? Back to the dress code. At the school I teach, I had to speak to a female member of staff about her form fitting jeans that she liked to wear every Friday. She was upset that I spoke to her and was adamant that she should wear whatever she wanted to. The very next Friday a boy in my class 'remarked' on the size of her backside. I was outside and she was passing the class at the time. She came straight to me and complained about the boy's remark saying it was insulting to her. I asked what she was insulted by, was it the fact he remarked on it's size or was it because it came from a boy instead of a man. She gave me a remark of her own and stormed off. This could have been avoided by simple common sense (which seem to be sorely lacking these days though ). On another note though, I don't believe in comparing teachers to pupils. I mean pupils being allowed to wear clothes a certain way because the teachers do the same. I always say it, teachers are adults- the students are children. I drive to school, should these children drive to school too because the teachers do it? I think not. Maybe that is too extreme. Ok another example, when I need to leave the classroom for what ever reason, I just leave and tell the children I will be right back. Are we saying that when a child wants to leave the class, he should just get up and walk out and say I will be right back? You get my drift right?
As I said though at the beginning, I believe that a dress code should be put in, once it does 'force' me to wear things I don't want to wear. In other words, I will not be going to school in a suit and tie. I look forward to further discussions.

Trinidad Dress Standards For Teachers Caribbean / Tobago & Trinidad

There are certain considerations when deciding dress codes, for example, a lot of the schools are are not airconditioned. As such, the dress code should include clothes that are cool enough for our climate but decent and not revealing.
My first year teaching, I almost wilted and had to walk around with a small towel (the kercheif did not make sense). Despite this, If I wear anything that is even remotely transparent, I wear a camisole under to prevent the focus from shifting away from work.

If we agree that there should be standards or a dress code for teachers, let me ask 2 questions.
1. Who decides the dress code. In my opinion it should be teachers along with the Ministry representatives.
2. Should the Ministry allocate a uniform or clothes allowance for teachers?

Will the people who complain about our dress codes have a problem with an allowance for such? It should be noted that in banks and other offices with uniforms staff are given the uniforms free of charge or allocated allowances for the purchase.

Page 2 Teachers Standards Dress Trinidad

The interesting thing about uniforms for teachers, who can assure us that some teachers won't make "adjustments" to the existent uniform to fit their "fashion" mindset? Like, if there are skirts for female teachers they may adjust it to make them shorter or pants tighter, etc. We would be dealing with similar issues we are now dealing, no?

Teachers Standards Dress Trinidad

I guess the same thing that ensures that bank employees and other empolyees thet receive uniforms wear the uniform that is given.
Remember, it is not only a uniform but also a dress code.
The question was also asked if there should be consultation with teachers before such a code is decided and if there should be an allowance to ensure that people can meet the standards agreed upon
It should then be accompanied by authority to the principal to deal with deviants.
Why though are we (all as a group) acting as if only women will be abusing the dress code? There has not been any reference made to problems with male standards. The pands showing the underwear etc, earrings, etc

Trinidad Dress Standards For Teachers

Kaisofan:

Sure. My only concern is...in the eyes of who/whom would the dress code be "accepted" or "rejected"? I know people who dress in a very provocative manner yet they do NOT see it that way at all. Who would point out (and by what standards) if a skirt is too short or pants too tight? Some people may perceive it as not an issue at all while others may interpret it as out of line.

I think teachers should have the right to be consulted on the kind of uniforms to wear. There should be given to them free of charge in my opinion. Teachers are already underpaid, to now have to be buying uniforms as well.

Very true. I think we as women tend to abuse it more than men. In my experience as a teacher, the male teachers were always clean and neat.

Trinidad Dress Standards Teachers - Page 2

I've heard that the reason some Trini female teachers dress seductively is to attract attention from other male counterparts or the principal (if male).

Trinidad Dress Standards Teachers Trinidad & Tobago / Caribbean - Page 2

Gossip
Are you serious or is that an attempt at being the devil's advocate? Why do women anywhere dress seductively?