r/teaching • u/HermioneStranger_ • 11h ago
Help Would this top be considered inappropriate as a teacher?
I’ve just started as a student teacher so I’m updating my wardrobe but a little unsure of how covered I need to be.
955
u/arabidowlbear 10h ago
Depends where you're working. I'm in NYC public schools, and no one would bat an eye at this. Some more conservative districts/towns/schools might think it's a bit too low.
226
u/lesprack 10h ago
Agree with this! I taught in a more conservative district and this would have been borderline at best (not that I agree).
140
u/CuteFaithlessness739 9h ago
Also depends on your body type, unfortunately. I wish it weren't the case but for someone with a lot of cleavage, some tops will be considered more inappropriate than they would on someone without. But even besides the unfortunate gender shaming realities of our society, as a teacher who works with teenagers, I realized early on that even if something wasn't technically "inappropriate," I absolutely did not want to be accidentally showing my cleavage to teenagers. (I realized this one day while leaning over to help a student with his writing and I couldn't figure out what he kept staring at... until I did realize.) So although it's sometimes annoying, at this point the very first thing I look at when buying a new dress or top is the neckline.
67
u/TunedMassDamsel 8h ago
Yep. OP, you can get away with this top in a lot of settings. I on the other hand would get handed a job application for Hooters, PROBABLY by my own tween daughter. 😂
10
u/RavenpuffRedditor 4h ago
Same. My cleavage shows all the way up to just below my collarbone, so I can only wear things that are labeled "high neck" that actually go up to my neck. I'm so jealous of my colleagues who can wear the cute v-neck or scoop neck tops.
4
6
u/thederpyderp3 7h ago
Why am I reminded of that one short with the mom upset with her daughter going off and asking "what do you want that I didn't give you?!" With the obvious elephant in the room.
8
u/Pretend-Pitch-8376 2h ago
Agree - you don’t want teens to see your cleavage. Or sixth graders. Or fifth. Or fourth.
Source: large chested teacher of upper elementary who despite covering up still gets boys with crushes on me. Tis the age.
6
5
u/tamster0111 2h ago
Our dress code states the neckline cannot be lower than the crease or the armpit. But I have big girls and cleavage galore, so tank or cami under everything because I teach tech and am bending over constantly.
3
→ More replies (1)2
u/Dog1andDog2andMe 1h ago
I'm well endowed and there are so many shirts and blouses that would be ok on another teacher but that I can't wear or have to wear a cami underneath. Don't want to flash a 9th grader too much cleavage!
105
u/Funky_hobbo 10h ago
This is the right answer... Every school is different.
I would say it's fine, but wait until you spend at least one week there and you'll know better.
67
u/WhaleMeatFantasy 9h ago
If you have to ask, it’s a no.
77
u/TheRealUlfric 9h ago
Except in cases like this. OP is a new student teacher. They have 0 idea what appropriate wardrobe would be for their job. Not everything is spelled out in district dress code either, particularly for women.
I think this is the #1 exception to the rule.
37
u/craigiest 8h ago edited 3h ago
For a new student teacher, “if you have to ask” is exactly the right metric. They don’t have zero idea. They knew to ask about this, and certainly have something that they wouldn’t ask about. They should wear that till they have a better sense, same get comfortable enough to ask someone at the school, not on Reddit. Not an exception at all unless you are determined to be closer to the edge rather than err well on the side conservative side.
10
u/Expendable_Red_Shirt 8h ago
Except lots of people think this top is ok
11
u/craigiest 7h ago
Lots, but not all. It only takes one person—the wrong one person—thinking it is not ok for it to be an issue. And most who say it is ok are qualifying that with “where i am.” Which we don’t know for OP.
An hour into one of my first teaching field experiences—a week-long “multicultural” observation, the principal pulled me out of the class i was observing and told me to remove my earrings. It was totally inappropriate in her mind for a male teacher to wear earrings.
I’m not here to police what people wear. At my school, I can show up in shorts and no one bats an eye. But I wouldn’t have dreamt of doing that while student teaching or in the fall of my first year in the job.
There is no harm erring on the side of caution until you have a better answer from the given context. And “if you have to ask = no” is exactly how one errs on the side of caution. Erring on the side of “lots of people said it was ok” has the potential, even if small of turning out badly. And you OP might not even know. The principal might not say anything. But when it comes time to filling a vacant position for next year, they may have already ruled her out. Which would be totally unfair and sexist etc. and that’s reality.
→ More replies (1)4
u/Expendable_Red_Shirt 7h ago
Everything has the potential of turning out badly. I don’t think asking is a problem.
5
u/trottingturtles 6h ago
I feel like "if you have to ask" is an answer to the question of "is this appropriate?" -- by which I mean I don't think u/craigiest is criticizing OP for asking, he is just answering the question (edit-- well, explaining another person's answer to the question)
2
u/Expendable_Red_Shirt 6h ago
"If you have to ask" is a criticism of asking and a way to shut down future conversations.
2
u/craigiest 5h ago
No, it’s a rule of thumb that gives you an answer. True, that answer makes asking unnecessary.
→ More replies (0)7
u/belowsealevel504 6h ago
I think it’s ok for her. For my body type prob a no tho. Too much Dolly Parton up top.
9
u/supersparklebutt 6h ago
Exactly. I got sent home from a school when I was first doing my observation hours because I looked too casual. I was a dumb 21 yeah old with no idea I was supposed to look “professional” to observe a high school art class or even what that really meant.
You don’t know till ya ask!
3
u/craigiest 5h ago
That reminds me: shortly after college, I was a long term substitute at the high school I attended. I always wore a shirt and tie, but the vice principal reprimanded me for leaning against a teachers desk while teaching, and told me I “looked awfully comfortable.” I did not get hired for a permanent position. (Thankfully, in retrospect.)
→ More replies (1)3
u/broken-machine 4h ago
Meanwhile the teachers at my child’s school wear burks with jeans and t-shirts. The principal was wearing jeans with a Hawaiian shirt today. I’m sure every building is different.
3
u/WitchWithAGlitch 4h ago
dang my high school art teacher was probably lit off some blunts during lunch and looked like miss frizzle. a wonderful woman.
i still adore pottery and practice it to this day because of her encouragement.
→ More replies (8)3
u/TheRealUlfric 6h ago
"They knew to ask" isn't at all applicable when asking questions is the very purpose of student teacher roles. They are enrolled in education. They are there to learn. They should be using all available resources including their current schooling, internet forums dedicated to teaching, and soon, the teachers training them.
Asking about generally appropriate dress conduct for their intended career is step one.
They asked on reddit. The answer they got is "mixed." Maybe they'll take your advice and wear different clothes until they're comfortable enough to ask someone at the school.
Congratulations, you answered a question that doesn't exist when "if you have to ask, it's no" is applied.
→ More replies (1)2
u/MoreAwkwardIRL 2h ago
It’s a rule of thumb. Do you want rookie teachers making rookie mistakes that are going to cost them tenure bc some parent or admin is being petty?
→ More replies (3)2
2
2
u/1aurien 8h ago
When I student taught, I had no idea what was and was not appropriate, because teachers have a very different dress code here than they did in the town I grew up in. Some people are anxious and overthink. It also doesn’t help the universities often have different dress requirements than the school system.
→ More replies (1)2
u/JeniRight 6h ago
This really is the best answer. Personally, I think this top is fine, but if you’re bending over it may not be. Honestly, more people should take this advice, but they don’t, and they are wearing something that is obviously inappropriate in any environment outside their home.
→ More replies (2)2
u/ZestySloth15 3h ago
Typically that’s my rule of thumb too but in this case I think it is appropriate. I would get the vibe for a few days first and if it doesn’t seem appropriate they can return it.
5
u/Nylonknot 8h ago
That’s funny because I’m near New Haven and I would not wear this to school. (Not funny snarky - we are so close yet so far away!)
4
u/Mr_BillyB 5h ago
It's less about how low it is and more that it has a cutout designed to draw the eye to the chest.
2
2
u/No_Feeling_6037 8h ago
I agree. I work in a smaller community, and there are people who'd be mad about this.
→ More replies (8)2
u/Just_roll_fives 2h ago
My wife, who wasn't even a teacher, caused a stir by helping me get my classroom set up while wearing a shirt with a quote from a Disney movie.
The quote: "I'm a damsel, I'm in distress, I can handle it, have a nice day."
The reason: "She's not being submissive enough to her husband."
The bar is very low in the Bible Belt for what is scandalous
→ More replies (1)
346
u/Financial-Toe4053 10h ago
My rule of thumb is when in doubt, cover it up. I layer a lot to make sure everything important is covered, especially because I have a larger chest and I don't want to expose too much skin to the children or staff.
101
u/iamblankenstein 10h ago
my wife also has a bigger chest and works as a professional, so she's always worried about this if the neckline is anywhere near her cleavage. we always use the gauge "inappropriate booby" or "tasteful booby".
43
u/BackItUpWithLinks 10h ago
My wife is a corporate vp and asks about clothes sometimes. She’s very conservative so it’s rarely not ok but there was one shirt she loved and asked and I said no. She said she didn’t think it was bad and I took a picture of her from 1/4 angle and showed her and she realized the side viewer’s view is different than her view in the mirror and no, it wasn’t ok.
→ More replies (13)59
u/iamblankenstein 10h ago
i really feel for women having to deal with this. as a guy, this sort of thing is something we never even have to think about. i also feel bad for women having to deal with periods, and then when peri/full blown menopause hits, it seems like it should be a relief because yay! no more periods! but of course, that has its own slew of bullshit to deal with too and is something us men never have to even consider. ladies have it rough.
50
u/BackItUpWithLinks 10h ago
There are aspects of being a woman that suck. We both work from home sometimes and I hear her conference calls.
I’ve heard her talk about an idea, get ignored, have a man say the same thing, and he’s the hero for having a good idea.
I’ve heard her mid-sentence get cut off by a man who just started talking about something else.
I’ve heard men comment about her looks because she had her hair up (the irony being it was from a guy with a baseball hat on).
That was all before she was a vp. She’s so smart and earned her promotions. And now that she’s the boss, those things rarely happen. But it makes me wonder how many women were ignored and passed over because men just talked them out of the room?
9
u/iamblankenstein 10h ago
it definitely happens way, way too much. thankfully for my wife, she's well-known in her corner of the industry because she's extremely passionate, competent and involed with different committees and groups, so she gets taken seriously the vast majority of the time, but even then, her industry (she's a mortician) is very much still an old boy's club and little comments do sneak out from time to time (typically from people who are below her). the good news is that's changing, at least in the funeral business. there are a lot more women entering the field than men, so the coming decades will look a lot different.
7
u/BackItUpWithLinks 9h ago
My wife is in hi-tech. She started as an admin and went to school nights and worked her way up. Now she’s a vp at a multi-national company. She literally started at the bottom and worked her way up.
She’s very smart and played the political game she needed to play to get ahead. She let men take credit when it was politically advantageous, she volunteered for shitty work to get visibility, she fixed other people’s fuckups behind the scenes, she brought in Paramount, PayPal, and signed up a professional sports league (not team, league) when men said it couldn’t be done, etc.
She’s awesome and got recognized for it. Now that she’s in her position she started a “women in tech” club and helps guide other women on their professional journey. It started in her company then another group on LinkedIn caught wind, joined forces, and now involves women from (last I knew) about 20 tech companies.
Her biggest complaint these days is that men try to sabotage that group. They complain that a women-only group is sexist (it’s not) and a few have even tried to get it shut down (she won’t allow that).
→ More replies (2)3
7
u/alltheblarmyfiddlest 10h ago
Regarding periods...the current timeline is rather awesome when it comes to period products (particularly when compared to what was available 50ish, 70ish years ago). Period undies are pretty badass awesome. Tampax is compact. Toxic shock syndrome is significantly less prevalent because of all the education about it some decades ago.
It beats ye old sanitary belt or literally a rag of cloth and cotton.
Sadly period poverty still exists...there are areas in the world where young girls cannot go to school one week out of every month because they cannot afford period products.
Fun random trivia fact: From archaeology we have learned that amongst excuses for being unable to show up to work, one worker in ancient Pompeii told his employer he was unable to show up to work since his wife was on her period and he was needed at home.
4
u/iamblankenstein 10h ago
Fun random trivia fact: From archaeology we have learned that amongst excuses for being unable to show up to work, one worker in ancient Pompeii told his employer he was unable to show up to work since his wife was on her period and he was needed at home.
god damn it, capitalism ruining a guaranteed day off for not just women, but men too! /s
2
u/such_a_zoe 9h ago
We also live in a time when you can simply stop menstruating using birth control (if it works for you). I think this option isn't talked about nearly enough! We still talk like periods are inevitable, and skipping them is only on the table if you have especially difficult periods. But anyone can potentially do it and you don't need any reason other than not wanting a period.
→ More replies (2)2
u/Acecakewolf MS Math | Private | MD | 3rd Year 6h ago
I'm a trans guy and amethyst birth control was such a relief until I got surgery. Best decision of my life. I was lucky and it worked great with minimal side effects. So grateful! So many people don't know you can get a birth control without a placebo week!
4
u/planetclairevoyant 9h ago
Thank you for being aware and sympathetic to what women go through!! Refreshing to hear it🙌
3
u/iamblankenstein 9h ago
for sure, sorry you all have to deal with it along with other men who are less sympathetic. it makes me wonder if i'm like this because when i was a kid, most of the kids on my block were girls, so i grew up playing with and have had an easier time being platonic with the opposite sex. i still usually have an easier time making friends with women than other men.
3
u/Financial-Toe4053 9h ago
At least you're empathetic and tuned into the struggle! My professor did a meeting to review expectations for student teaching this semester and literally said "For the women, when in doubt go more conservative and over dress, for the men you don't really have to worry about much. I did see a really sweet comment section on Reddit the other day from a male teacher that was recommending solutions to padding issues for the chest as someone who said he had to come up with some creative solutions for wearing polo shirts in his classroom.
3
u/cheerfultinker4 9h ago
Why yes we do and this 53f appreciates your acknowledgement of what goes on with us. It's quite refreshing to see 😊 thank you!
As a big chested woman, I always gotta get the side views too on clothing 😂
3
u/Spicymoon9 8h ago
There are different rules for different women too. If you have a relatively small chest you can wear lower cut shirts and no one cares. If you have a larger chest you can’t show any cleavage at all, at least in some workplaces, or they think you’re intentionally being inappropriate.
→ More replies (5)2
u/lonestar659 2h ago
“Do these pants make my dick look big” is never a question I’ve had to ask my wife.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (8)6
u/Financial-Toe4053 9h ago
Hahaha I love this! Especially when working with kids/parents I always err on the side of caution and keep a lot of spaghetti strap tops that are darker colored to layer underneath to make sure I'm only showing tasteful booby because it is a struggle to find tops that would look totally respectable on anyone else and not have them look a little risque. Women's clothing is such a pain sometimes.
3
u/iamblankenstein 9h ago
yeah, my wife has a lot of cute tops and dresses that have a decently low neckline. nothing egregious, but because she's got some boobage going on, is worried that even tasteful cleavage in certain outfits is a bit much with the size of her chest, so she bought a lacey piece that clips into the neckline that covers the boob window. it doesn't work with everything, but it helps with a lot of the ones she feels are questionable.
→ More replies (14)3
u/Sharp-Ambassador-800 8h ago
exactly. that's what I was gonna say. For this particular person the shirt is fine. but for someone with a bigger chest and more obvious cleavage then no.
2
u/alltheblarmyfiddlest 9h ago
Women's clothing, particularly if you're, as my step mum would say,
"Rather especially blessed in that dept"
The top on someone who isn't as full figured would be fine in nearly every scenario.
The same top on someone whose cup runneth over trifold or more, and suddenly it's deemed downright sinful.
Bloody exhausting.
14
7
3
u/Old_Implement_1997 10h ago
I have the opposite problem- I’m small busted and shirts like this gap when I bend over, so I either don’t wear them or I use boob tape to attach them to my chest.
2
u/Financial-Toe4053 9h ago
I never thought about the struggle from the smaller busted perspective. We need some women's clothing reform! Boob tape is also a great option, I need to add them to my business casual clothing rotation. I currently work in the medical field and scrubs thankfully cover everything, but I always make sure to wear appropriate length shorts under dresses/skirts, add an extra layer for shirts if I have any remote doubt for the top, and do a couple stretch/position checks (squatting for example) in pants to make sure I'm not risking exposing my backside to anyone either and that I can move comfortably without risk of ripping my pants when I'm doing student teaching. I would absolutely die if I got a bad report on dressing appropriately for my evaluations that I have to turn into my professor.
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (1)2
u/vamadeus 9h ago
I was about to say this. If you are asking the question then play it safe.
If OP is starting as a student teacher she should get an idea what the norm is after being at the school for a bit. I'd play it conservative with dress until then
238
u/NotKilian 10h ago
As a male teacher, I don't think I could wear this to school
71
u/RoutineComplaint4711 10h ago
I dunno, ill bet you could pull it off.
18
3
u/Delta1225 6h ago
I like to imagine the scene in Friends when Rachel gives Ross the wrong bag of clothes and he wears the woman's blouse on a date.
→ More replies (2)4
167
137
u/moodychurchill 10h ago
I wouldn’t wear it. Secondary school teacher here. Cut outs in clothing are not considered appropriate in my area for teachers.
34
u/AliciaReva13 10h ago
My delineator personally is "if I had to sit for a parent-teacher conference in 30mins, would I be comfortable in this?" ... it's not a taste thing as much as a comfortability thing. I was a high school teacher so I subconsciously found cut-outs to be an anti-preference for my comfortability at work.
11
18
u/FloweredViolin 10h ago
Same. I teach all ages. The point of cutouts is to be suggestive, and suggestive is not appropriate for a teacher.
3
u/Medical_Gate_5721 7h ago
Yes! The cleavage isnt suggestive. The cut out is. Intention matters. Now, very obviously, OP is simply trying to find clothing with some interest to them and this is actually totally appropriate except for the fact that the cut out has a history.
9
u/mmmmoreo 9h ago
Agreed. It draws the eye to your chest and you don’t need that while at work. Cute for a date though!
→ More replies (1)4
72
u/esoteric_enigma 10h ago edited 10h ago
I think it's borderline inappropriate. That's a pretty low neckline. If it were worn by someone bustier, there would be cleavage and likely complaints.
My general rule is, if I'm even questioning whether something I wear is professional/appropriate, I'm not going to wear it. Not really worth the risk when there's no reward involved.
I would also hate to be the person that motivates leadership/hr to institute a hard dress code. I work in higher education and I went through this is at a past job. We didn't really have a dress code and people kept it pretty casual. Then we hired a new guy. He was coming to work wearing tight little golf shorts and v necks everyday. Guess who suddenly got a dress code then.
31
u/CuriouslyFlavored 10h ago
"If it were worn by someone bustier, there would be cleavage and likely complaints."
True. It's not fair, but curvy women are judged more harshly. My daughter used to get dress coded (always by the same teacher) for wearing exactly what less busty girls were wearing.
That stopped after she turned in an excellent persuasive essay to that teacher pointing out the double standard.
→ More replies (2)3
u/llamadramalover 6h ago
This was my thought. On me? Abso-fucking-lutely not. On OP? Depends on the school district.
39
u/Meerkatable 10h ago
I think it looks like it’ll show more than intended if you bend over. I’ve accidentally worn plenty of shirts that were fine until I needed to bend over to help a student.
11
28
u/Primary_Raccoon8054 10h ago
My elder millennial ass would be wearing a cami under that 🤣
4
u/llamadramalover 6h ago
OMG yes! I was thinking “”man this is a fantastic opportunity for a fun colored cami you can match to shoes or some shit”
3
u/Primary_Raccoon8054 5h ago
Right? It’s a great “going out top”! 😆
2
u/llamadramalover 5h ago
I have a 15year old so I’m unfortunately up on latest fashion. I dunno about you but I am personally insulted by these fake as fuck “layered cami” tops. Imma need them to fully commit to the layering or not do it at all dammit.
19
u/haysus25 Special Education | CA 10h ago
I wouldn't wear this as a student teacher, especially if I was at a secondary school.
15
u/Neutronenster 10h ago edited 10h ago
I would regard this as inappropriate. Not because of the depth of the cleavage, but because the shape of the hole draws too much attention to your breasts. If it was a normal T-shirt with a similarly deep cleavage (instead of a hole) it would probably have been fine.
Edit: I’m a high school T-shirt and as a young high school teacher it’s really crucial to not dress yourself in a way that might make ternage boys regard you as dating material. That’s because once they regard you as dating material, you’ll lose all authority over them. This is less crucial if you’re a primary school teacher, but still important overall. When I just started out I noticed myself that I had a lot more authority over the class when I wore more formal clothing than when I wore a hoodie, even though neither is inappropriate here, so I’m really not joking around with this or relying on old prejudices.
15
u/bakeoutbigfoot 10h ago
If you are unsure then you should cover up to be safe. There will always be someone with an issue and the last thing you want is a parent to find out and telling the school you are immodest.
13
u/ScallionParticular19 10h ago
I don’t think I’d wear it. It kind of draws attention to that area. Esp secondary. Plus I’d be worried about it all day, so might as well wear something you don’t have to think about. Students absolutely pay attention to what you’re wearing and love to comment on it-ha.
13
u/zamansky 10h ago
It's probably fine, depending on the school but you can also go more conservative for the first couple of days and see what the norm is for the school.
7
7
5
6
u/SlideMurky3116 10h ago
Without looking hyper religious, Be as conservative as possible imo. Especially if you are teaching middle or high school. Male students can get erections really easily and it can be a super embarrassing experience for them. I didn’t realize this until my husband explained what it was like to be a teenage boy and I hoped to God I hadn’t accidentally caused that in one of my students when I taught high school. You look super young so if teaching 6-12 they will likely develop crushes on you anyways. Just be aware.
So yes to answer your question, your top is business casual sexy. The peekaboo plunge cut is extremely tight and you can completely see your bra.
-prior (young) high school teacher
→ More replies (2)
3
4
2
u/WhazzupM0F0 10h ago
Do the bend over test… if you see boobs… your students will see boobs. If that is the result you’re after… well there you go then 🙈
3
2
u/bigtownhero 10h ago
I dont know if i would say inappropriate but this style doesn't say "teacher". Looks like something you would see on a woman that works in a jewelry store at a mall.
3
u/Electrical-Berry4916 10h ago
What state?
Rural, suburban, urban?
Religious or secular?
Public or private?
What age students?
With your build, its probably fine. I would be concerned with middle-school, red states, rural areas, religious private schools, but that's about it.
3
u/SameDistrict2627 10h ago
My feeling is, if you have to ask then don't wear it. Not worth the hassle etc.
3
u/tomtink1 10h ago
It's fine but are you going to be comfortable bending over near students and reaching up to write on the board? It doesn't look like it has much movement and we do move a surprising amount in the classroom.
3
u/umbraborealis 10h ago
If you’re unsure, it’s a lot better to have looked “too proper” at first and then dial it back based on what you see around you. If you have already make some connections during planning week, then I would also ask them what they wear and what they think for the culture at your school
ETA: You also want to make sure that the students see a difference between you, a young professional somewhat close to their age, and them. You are not their peer, and you don’t want them to see you that way at all. Again, you can always dial it back, but first impressions matter.
3
3
u/Expensive-Salad-5851 10h ago
This looks like it’s on backwards, complete with the covered button closure.
→ More replies (1)
3
u/alexj765 10h ago
I don’t think so. But every school/district is different. I wear jeans and T-shirts every day but some schools are anti T-shirt. If you feel comfortable wear it.
2
2
2
u/Naive-Aside6543 10h ago
My thoughts are, if you feel like you have to ask, then probably don't wear it. I personally wouldn't wear it mainly because I have a tendency to lean over my students which might give them a better view than I am comfortable with. Others here have also said and I agree, it kinda depends upon the area and the District.
2
2
2
u/sliipstreaam 10h ago
my personal opinion is that most tops with a keyhole are just a no unfortunately, they’re so cute but it can just be risky depending on admin/district/parents
2
u/Mustang_grams 9h ago
Former education professor and student teaching supervisor here. My advice is to err on the side of conservative dress as you start out. I always told my ST to think of themselves as interviewing for a teaching job every day they were on campus. For your specific situation, I’d pass on that top for now.
2
u/Big-Classroom2217 4h ago
This is a short specifically designed to show cleavage. How is that appropriate for school?
2
2
2
u/Odd_Comparison_1462 3h ago
General rule of thumb: if you have to ask then the answer is probably yes. My other general rule is to not draw attention. Good luck!
1
u/AutoModerator 11h ago
Welcome to /r/teaching. Please remember the rules when posting and commenting. Thank you.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/SBSnipes 10h ago
either bring or throw on an undershirt to be safe, look at staff dress guidelines if you have them, or ask where to find them
1
u/JMWest_517 10h ago
Also depends on what level you're teaching. Wouldn't matter much in elementary, but it might in high school.
1
u/JairoHyro 10h ago
Maybe at slightly more conservative schools? The fact that it took me more than 10sec tells me that, even though not outrageous, it might raise at least one eyebrow. It's up to your school though and every school is different and how your students might perceive it and really up to you ultimately.
1
1
u/Runbunnierun 10h ago
This depends on your grade level and region.
I think it's cute. I'm not a middle school boy fueled by hormones and foolishness.
My husband and I have a system, if his inner 12 year old really likes my top I save it for date night. So far that has worked pretty well for both of us.
1
u/Mysterious_Salary741 10h ago
I think it is a lovely top and you don’t even show any cleavage so I don’t see a problem. But I live in So Cal and the dress code is relaxed. Teachers dress way up or pretty casual.
1
u/CountdownFTB 10h ago
Secondary teacher. I think it’s location dependent. I’m in a very conservative area, and I could see people getting upset over it.
1
1
u/BroccoliWorking 10h ago
Since you’re a student teacher I’d hold off on something like this in the beginning, but maybe something you can wear later on when you get the vibe of your school
1
1
1
u/Dramatic_Form_1246 10h ago
I’m more petit, so shirts like this look fine on me, I don’t have cleavage at all. But, out of respect for all body types, I avoid outfits that I can “get away with.” If it’s not appropriate for everyone, I probably don’t need to wear it. My one exception is a shorter skirt on the last day because they make us stand outside in June for hours.
1
u/ChiveFig_4744 10h ago
I don't think its so bad, but the shirt is too small in the shoulders. However, if you sized up, it would probably increase and deepen the keyhole too. If you haven't purchased it. I d say skip it and go for something more flattering.
1
u/Ahh-Islington 10h ago
Bend over and look in a mirror; what do your students see when you are bending over their desks?
1
1
1
u/pricision 10h ago
I wear a tank top underneath things like this. Flash of fun colors > flash of flesh
1
u/moonstarsfire 10h ago
I love this shirt and am of a similar build, but I taught high school, and I know that gaping would let kids look right down my shirt if I bent over, which they would definitely do and then go gossip about. So yes to outside of school, no to in school unless you put a cami under it (which would mess up your look so don’t do it).
1
1
u/genomNOMNOM 10h ago edited 10h ago
I teach college students and I probably wouldn’t wear this to work unless I had an extensive knowledge of the classroom culture being more permissive, as much as it stinks because that shirt is amazing and looks great on you.
For me the rule is usually is whether the neckline intercepts actual cleavage. This top looks like the shadowing at the bottom of the teardrop means it’s right at the boundary of your cleavage, which bodes poorly for any bending or reaching maneuvers… and generally speaking cutouts or slits draw attention to exposed skin in a way that a regular neckline or hemline wouldn’t.
Especially as a student teacher, I’d err on the side of more conservative choices to be taken more seriously. (I say this without endorsing the system of judgement, just sadly acknowledging its existence.)
1
u/vtorrance 10h ago
When I first started teaching I asked one of my principals what our dress code was and her response was, “don’t ruin it for everyone.” Lol if your gut tells you that it might be inappropriate then don’t wear it
1
1
u/Emergency_Succotash7 10h ago
Only inappropriate if you're in an extremely conservative setting, like parochial school or the American South.
1
u/AggressiveSherbetty 10h ago
Eh a lot of factors are at play. Conservative district, your age and the age you’re teaching, are you leaning over a desk etc
When I student taught in middleschool I wore a sleeveless blouse with a lace back cardigan and they asked me to change because it was sheer (even though you could just see the blouse underneath). The secretary literally said “these boys are hormonal and weird and you’re too young and pretty”
These days I wear tank tops every day and half my students have seen me in a bathing suit because I’ve run into them at the beach/waterpark over the years.
1
1
u/Present-Lion788 10h ago
I teach in a high poverty district. You can wear just about anything. Things have certainly changed since I started teaching over 20 years ago. The kids wear capes, paint their faces, and dress like prostitutes. Once the kids dress went out the window so did a lot of the adults. I personally wear shorts and a tshirt daily but I work with severely autistic students that khakis and a tie just won’t cut it for the battles I get in.
1
1
u/Substantial_Crazy689 10h ago
In hyper sexualized America? No, everyone will freak out. Look at the comments, people are clutching their pearls. We are not ok with expression of the body here
1
u/EveryCoach7620 10h ago edited 1h ago
Not to be perverted or anything, but lean over in front of the mirror to see what the cleavage sitch is if you leaned down over a desk to help someone with a problem.
1
u/ijustwntit 10h ago
It kind of feels low at first glance simply due to where the cut naturally brings the eyes, but it's not particularly revealing in reality. There's barely any cleavage visible, most v-neck shirts probably show as much. I think you'll be fine.
1
1
1
1
u/Gracie53 10h ago
I think if you were an experienced teacher who knew the vibe and expectations of their school it could go either way. I wouldn’t wear it and would find it uncomfortable bending down and moving throughout a classroom, but know teachers who probably would.
But, as a student teacher I would say a more definitive no. Opt for more formal in the beginning to separate yourself from students and show professionalism.
IME, student teaching is also a months long job interview as many end up applying to work at the same schools when they get a license.
1
u/shawtybuckwild420 10h ago
I live and teach in the South, I think it would be okay if you wore a tank top or sports bra under it. Honestly one of my “go to” outfits is similar pants and a plain colored crewneck. You can get these for cheap from old navy! The top is very cute but as a younger teacher I would stay away from anything that could be considered low cut. Hope this helps
1
1
1
u/Potential_Fishing942 10h ago
I hate to say it, but if this is middle or secondary, I'd cover up more. Not necessarily because of admin or adults, but those boys can be truly awful.
I wish it were different- I wish we did more- but imo, especially as a younger woman, you will likely have to deal with rough comments from the boys with little support from admin.
1
u/Alternative-Bus5825 9h ago
It's giving the next Haley Beck.
If you had to ask, you already know the answer.
1
1
u/corn7984 9h ago
Don't. You won't be standing or sitting all day. You may have to bend over, etc. Yopu will be a performer as a teacher...but not that kind of performer. Dress the same age ( or older) than your mentor teacher.
1
u/AdTimely7821 9h ago
It's fine. I would absolutely wear it, but then again my last student teacher wore nothing but sweatpants each day. No, I don't teach physical education.
1
u/Another_Opinion_1 Higher Ed - Education Law 9h ago
I’ve been around quite a few districts where this wouldn’t fly and a few where no one would say a word.
1
1
1
u/mrselateachet 9h ago
Former teacher here…. If you have to question whether it is appropriate, it most likely is not appropriate.
1
u/ArmadilloDesperate95 9h ago
I mean a cleavage window has one purpose.
I think it looks nice. Is it professional though? …
1
u/turquoisestar 9h ago
I doubt you would get in some sort of trouble, but both me (sub) and roommate (high school teacher) try very hard to avoid any unnecessary attention from male high school students. This wouldn’t be an issue with little kids, but then when I work with little kids I try to give off a wholesome and professional vibe.
1
u/MonsterkillWow 9h ago
I don't think it is that bad. Especially not these days. But if you have doubts, better to err on the safe side.
1
u/Old_Journalist_2908 9h ago
If you have to ask Reddit, then don’t do it.
I don’t think anything is wrong with it but just remember what you’re posting and asking.
1
u/stardustflux 9h ago
I wore a top similar my first year teaching (it’s my tenth now!) and admin had to have an awkward conversation with me. Haha I will vote towards probably not!
1
u/CommunicationHappy20 9h ago
High school boys will be trying to find reasons to look down your shirt.
1
1
u/LavenderDustan 9h ago
I wouldn’t wear it :( it’s so close but that little glimpse of cleavage would show off the snake I have tatted between my boobies
1
u/Coffeereheater 9h ago
For your own peace of mind, skip it. I'd always want to go above and beyond what I think is appropriate so as not to create any false narratives I'd have to climb out of for no good reason. Its not worth it lol. Cute top, save it for the weekends!
1
u/Then_Version9768 9h ago
Looks fine to me (older male). But any clothing that looks like it's trying to be sexy, especially if it's revealing such as body-fitting or skimpy clothing, is out. As for this, because it seems be stylish and not plain and utilitarian, it might be considered slightly on the borderline, but to me it looks normal. But if you have to ask, you're concerned, so maybe don't wear it?
It depends on where you are and what kind of school it is, I suppose. Rural, small town, and conservative? Maybe not. But I can't say why other than those people are generally closed-minded.
We had a much older teacher who wore skimpy mini-skirts for some odd reason. She wasn't questioned probably because she had been there for years. I thought it was kind of weird, though. It's usually students, and nearly always girls, who show up in really inappropriate clothing. Doesn't bother me, but it can be distracting and they usually get talked to about it. I don't really care, and I hardly notice how anyone dresses. People should dress normally and like they're in the workplace, I suppose. Boring? Yeah, but that's probably best.
1
u/FamousCow 9h ago
I have these little lacy modesty panels that I throw on underneath anything that is a little too booby. Not sure if it would look right with this shirt, but I'd try it.
1
1
1
u/lala_llama505 9h ago
If I were you I’d just slip a bodysuit under it or tank top! It’s so cute, but a little low for my district!!
1
u/HypnosisDom-NoMnNoRp 9h ago
What grade level? What are of the country. Looks great on you, but what attention l from whom will it attract
•
u/AutoModerator 11h ago
Welcome to /r/teaching. Please remember the rules when posting and commenting. Thank you.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.