Most articles that talk about how to dress for a job are focused solely on corporate settings, but a school setting is a bit different. Even though the Lynch School of Education sets out some strict guidelines about what you can and can’t wear during student teaching, you still have a lot of liberty to have some fun! Here are some tips to look the part and still express yourself!
Dress for Your Grade Level
If you’re teaching in a high school, the way you dress will differentiate you from students who are not much younger than you are. If you’re teaching in an elementary school, you’re going to spend a lot of time bending over or near art supplies. Take these things into consideration when planning your outfits. Dress a bit more professionally for high school (and maybe wear heels if you’re on the shorter side!), and don’t wear dresses or skirts without tights in elementary school.
Invest in Basics
Get yourself a nice black pencil skirt, a blazer, a white sweater, and some solid dress pants. You can pretty much pair these staples with anything and still look good. Consider spending a bit more money on these so they’ll last forever. Express is a great place to look for skirts and blazers, and my personal favorite pair of dress pants came from Target. The great thing about these basics is you can wear them almost every week with a different top or dress and still look put together!
Get Fun Patterns and Colors
Pair your basics with shirts and dresses in bright colors and fun patterns! Get some cute shoes, headbands, and jewelry to make your outfits. Find ways to express your personal style. Almost any dress can become a teacher dress when you add a blazer and some heels. So search your closet, H&M, Forever 21, and Target for inexpensive statement pieces to showcase who you are!
Whether you’re in your first pre-practicum, you volunteer in a school, or you’re starting your full practicum take-over, these tips will help you dress for success!
Sources
http://www.paymystudentloans.com/student-loan-forgiveness-for-teachers/