What do I wear when teaching?

[lcskumar]

It depends upon the type of school and the country to which it belongs.Formal dressing will be preferred.

[karyllemia]

Originally Posted by Margy

Definitely depends on the type of school you teach in. If it's a typical Language school run by the owners and teaching students from babies to retirees, then a nice polo shirt and slacks would be best.

On the first day, I would always recommend a buttoned shirt and slacks for both men and women. You never know, if you're a woman and required to sit on the floor then a dress would definitely be no good.

After talking to other staff and seeing what they wear, you can then alter your dress code.

Yes! it will depend on the school. Usually, it has a prescribed uniform.

[ColoradoMom]

Business attire teaching business people, neat casual teaching children

[EF English First]

A little tip I picked up from a magazine in the dentist's waiting room:
"Dress for the job you want and not the one you've got"

[Boke]

if its adult classes than a suit without the jacket and tie

business classes a suit

kids classes , khaki pants and short sleeve polo shirt or short sleeve button shirt

[seen13]

Neat casual clothes or as most of my students would put it what you say is more important than what you wear

[kellyd]

I would wear a light weight skirt and either a tshirt or one of those summery button up blouses.

[LauraFaye]

I voted "neat casual" above. However, the truth is that I dress "business casual." I'm not sure if that is the same as "neat casual." Nevertheless, I work in law firms, but I don't need to "suit-up" but I still wouldnt wear jeans there either.

[christiene]

Smart casual always does the trick. You're neither over dressing nor under dressing

[AdvantageEnglish]

A little side step from topic - LeslieW was discussing JOB INTERVIEW attire for teachers.
To suit or not to suit...


I'm an English teacher, the director of an English school and I worked as Job-Ready Educator in an employment agency (basically teaching unemployed people how to get jobs and keep them)... but you don't need me to tell you that a job interview in any white collar employment requires men to wear a suit and tie.

There may be the odd exception here and there (obviously- one being if the interviewer specifically tells you to come in casual attire) but for a teaching job - wear a suit.

If you're applying for a kindergarten teaching position, you'll be rolling around on the floor all day and your employer should allow casual clothing for work, but you may be required to attend parent/teacher interviews, special school events or meet with potential students - wearing a suit will show them that you can be professional and will bring respect to their organisation.

Good luck with the interviews.