Hey pigeons! I ‘m just gonna lay this conversation on you like it happened in real time. Here we go:
Message: I am a substitute teacher, starting the new school year. I was wondering what they mean by “professional attire” these days. I took a few years off to be “Mommy” and I did not wear professional attire to have baby food slung at it. I am also a pastor’s wife, on a budget, so it would be nice to be able to wear the “professional attire” to church..Any ideas?
Hi M,
GREAT question!
“Professional attire” means many different things in different contexts. The way to find out what it means in yours is to ask someone in the administration (a Vice Principal or Dean, perhaps) to give you some guidelines. It’s not at all a silly question, as many teachers dress in ways that totally undermine their authority with the kids, and it shows that you’re taking your subbing duties seriously. Good for you!
Having been both a full-time teacher and a subtitute teacher in my life, I have a few suggestions:
1. Do be sharp, but not trendy. Kids are merciless with teachers, and they do scrutinize you. The idea is to be cool enough to be seen as someone who’s awake and alive to current reality, but not obviously trying hard to be cool.
2. Keep it simple. A pair of great pants, a pair of comfortable wedges or boots, a scoop-neck shell and a great jacket should do it. Make sure things fit well. When you try on clothes, reach and bend and squat to make sure that you’re not accidentally giving the kid’s plumber butt when you have to get something out of the bottom drawer.
3. You’ll be on your feet a lot. Get some gel insoles.
4. Get a great hair cut and make sure your make-up is 2012, not 1984. The best subs are the ones with lots of energy and a good dose of humor with their authority. Work on your game face, your eyebrow raise, and your deadpan delivery. Find out who they fear (if, indeed, they fear anyone), and don’t hesitate to pull that name out of your pocket when you need to.
5. Back to “professional:” I would say that it means all appendages are adequately covered, fabrics are not clinging, you wear hose with skirts, suit separates will serve you well, and dress fairly conservatively (but again — not dowdy).
Does that help?
Kiss of peace,
PB
Lands End. Their school section has some great ideas to build on. And they’re a wonderful source for khaki skorts, disguised as normal skirts, that help maintain modesty when stooping or bending. I found them invaluable when working in libraries.
Wait, wait. Are we back to “hose with skirts”? Is that for every day when I wear a skirt to the office? Is it Kate Middleton’s fault?
I’m a senior minister… wearing blouses and skirts most every day, not usually jackets unless I have meetings scheduled with other professional people, especially in their work place. (Robe and stole on Sunday.) I’m following most every PeaceBang rule except I think I missed something about “hose with skirts.”
I’d say the best advice is stalk the teachers a bit (in a good way). See if you can pop in and have a good gander at what everyone is and isn’t wearing then do your best to copy the best dressed people.
I’d also suggest fabrics have a lot to do with formality. [YES YES YES- GREAT POINT!!! – PB] The same trousers read ‘informal’ or ‘formal’ depending on whether they’re demin, khaki or suiting fabric. So avoid t shirt-like cotton tops, anything of sweatshirt material, demin. Khaki may or maynot be appropriate but you do a want a bit more of a stern rather than casual and friendly impression, especially to start with. (I was a high school teacher – there’s something in the ‘don’t smile ’till after the first term’ idea.)
Dresses and skirts instantly read more formal that trousers (unless they’re really flowy/ maxi/ bright patterns/ hippy etc)
Good luck!