Amanda Piccolino ’12
Staff Writer

Everyday, students make subconscious judgments about each other based on shirts, pants, shoes, and accessories. It is impossible for clothing not to cast an impression about its wearer. This holds true even for teachers.

English teacher, Jesse Bauks solely aims to dress work appropriate, and does not believe his attire reveals his student-described comical personality. 

“Its important to dress professionally, but I’m not concerned if a kid likes the clothes I wear,” Bauks said. While the majority of students say a teacher’s clothing has scant influence on their success and overall likeability, some think the effect is significant.

Claire Noyer ’14, feels that when teachers dress in moderately formal attire, “they are often more proficient and organized, but less approachable.”

In contrast, Noyer believes that teachers dressed casually are “more flexible, approachable, and sociable.” 

On the other hand, Elena Adams ’12 believes a teacher’s attire is simply reflective of his or her attitude towards their job.

“Under circumstances, if their clothes are really extreme or sloppy, I would probably assume they didn’t put too much thought into how they present themselves, which could potentially change my attitude towards the class,” Adams said.

Brooke Berlin ’14, concurs with Adams, but admits outer impressions can certainly be deceiving. 

“A teacher wearing a suit typically made me think of them as more uptight and serious, however, not all of these impressions were necessarily accurate,” Berlin said. “I’ve had teachers who wear suits that are extremely funny and laidback.”

Art teacher, Jaclyn Jeselnick, believes that while it is important to dress work-appropriate, a teacher’s attire is no manifestation of their capacity to teach well.

“Teachers should absolutely dress properly, but as long as they are effectively instructing students, that’s what is most important. Teaching in an engaging manner is what really portrays something” Jeselnick said.

Noyer feels that ultimately, a teacher’s attitude towards their job correlates with their overall competence.

“If a teacher dresses in a professional manner, they probably take their job seriously. If they take their job seriously, they probably will put more energy into helping me learn. Only in that sense is a teacher’s attire important, “ Noyer said.