An uproaring debate about teachers wearing jeans to school is resurfacing all around the school. In a recent Central Times survey, 107 total responses said that teachers should be able to wear jeans. Many argue that wearing jeans is unprofessional and inappropriate for educators; however, in today’s society, many careers allow and even require employees to wear jeans. Now the question is, should teachers be permitted to wear jeans to school every day? While the answer may seem obvious to some, others have mixed feelings.

Why Does it Matter?

Throughout high school, teachers have emphasized the importance of being prepared for our future careers, whether that means going to college or entering the workforce after graduation. We learn that we must either be career-ready or college-ready. With no in-between, it’s essential to take our education seriously, so that we can apply what we have learned to our daily lives. During these four years of high school, it is everyone’s responsibility to not only depend on your teachers to help them succeed but also themselves. Their role is to support you in achieving your goals while you are here to try and give you the best four-year education that you can receive. 

Survey Results of Teachers Wearing Jeans

When teachers were asked if wearing jeans affects their motivation to teach, the results may be a surprise for some. While nearly half of the 33 teachers who responded said it does not, 6.3% reported that they feel less motivated and 3.1% said it sometimes impacts them. This raises questions about their reasons—perhaps they were tired or felt overly comfortable in jeans. Interestingly enough, some teachers believe that wearing jeans improves their teaching efficiency due to their comfort. Let alone, 53.1% of teachers said they feel more comfortable when they wear jeans.

Students say that teachers wearing jeans in a school environment is not unprofessional or inappropriate. Very few students say that it hinders their education as 74 students said that teachers should be able to wear jeans. Only 74 out of the 76 students who responded to the survey said that teachers should wear jeans. Some believe that what someone wears doesn’t affect one’s education or the ability of a teacher to do their job. An anonymous student commented that students have the freedom to wear clothing that expresses who they are so teachers should be able to also. They also commented that if teachers wear jeans it might boost a student’s confidence to ask questions in class. A student might be able to relate to a specific teacher because of how they dress.

Perspectives on Teachers Wearing Jeans

“Please consider teachers who might have gained some weight and don’t have many pants that fit,” an anonymous teacher commented. “Sometimes it is easier to wear a longer sweater or top with jeans than it is with tight dress pants, or to have jeans unbuttoned or use a pants extender. Some teachers don’t feel comfortable in dresses or skirts, especially considering the location of some classrooms. If we are to create a welcoming environment, let’s be more comfortable and welcoming in jeans.” 

Some students say that they do feel more comfortable talking to a teacher when they are in jeans versus professional attire. Some teachers feel they make more connections with students when they are wearing jeans. Although some say they see no change in the connections they make when they wear jeans as a whole,  others see a drastic change.

“Studies show that you perform better when you are dressed up. I always dressed up for exams in college. PJs make you feel sloppy and lazy,” an anonymous teacher commented.

Consider a teacher’s job—there are approximately 92 teachers at the main campus and Bruin Academy combined, each with a class size ranging from 10 to 32 students. Teachers must learn every student’s name and meet each individual’s physical and academic needs. Many teachers want to be comfortable while they teach. Many students believe that what someone wears is not distracting or disruptive to our education.

“I do think it creates less of a separation with students if they see staff wearing clothes that are more casual yet respectable, students can see that teachers are people too with their own forms of visual expression,” an anonymous teacher shared. 

When students see a teacher in a tie paired with dress pants or a dress and flats, they often perceive them as overly superior. While some individuals do not understand why wearing jeans is prohibited in a school environment, others accept the reasoning behind it. Additionally, the type of footwear can vary based on attire; casual shoes are more suitable with jeans, while dressier outfits typically require more formal shoes.

Altogether, it’s not only about whether teachers want to wear jeans or whether students think they should or shouldn’t be able to wear jeans in an environment such as this. It’s about how we get our education and succeed. We need to be more concerned about how we get an education rather than what someone chooses to wear.