Physical Appearance

I was reminiscing with my little brother about the interesting teachers we had during high school when he told me about one who had told his class that females should not teach males or females because they just distract their students more than effectively teaching. To say I was disgusted would be an understatement. But it brought to mind my own issue as a new graduate... about one's image and how to avoid looking like a petrified graduate.

At my summer job, I had numerous encounters with parents who had(in subtle ways) made commentary on how young I looked when speaking to me or even to their child. One mom actually told her little girl that even though I looked young I was still the teacher and she needed to listen to me. Although I appreciated the gesture, the fact that I was first identified as young rather than teacher reminded me of the type of issues I will have to deal with for a good chunk of my adult life.

I do look young for my age, and I'm short on top of that! It's probably for the best that I've chosen primary level education but it makes me wonder about the middle school kids I might teach in the near future. Nowadays kids develop into mini teenagers at a much younger age than when I went to school and a lot of them are taller than me by grade five haha...

So how do you deal with students who associate you as a peer rather than a teacher? Or those who might have crushes on you? The obvious answer is that it's not all based on appearance but also by your classroom demeanor. But sometimes I wonder if I will have to overcompensate in the classroom management/ discipline department in an attempt to overcome my appearance.

Body language will also have to aid me in this department, because I will have to learn to gesture in large ways to make myself also seem bigger than I actually am and maybe more authoritative as well. I don't want my kids to cower at the mere sight of me but I definitely do not want to struggle to gain their respect. I don't want my appearance to be my disadvantage before I've even opened my mouth!

Even employers speculate on how old I am and can't believe I'm a graduate let alone a university student. It worries me, especially in an interview scenario, that my abilities and the way I present myself will be overlooked when employers physically see me. First impressions are extremely important so one can just imagine when a company asks for a professional teacher they meet someone who looks like she's playing dress up instead.

I actually tried to google hairstyles that were "teacher" appropriate and wardrobes that seem more mature and in the end I got images of the hair bun and a business suit...neither of which are my exact style preference. Sure for an interview these are great professional options, but working in the classroom as a volunteer and as a teacher has shown me how the clothes can either make your life easier or harder. And the administration has a huge say on the type of wardrobe you can wear.

As a summer worker, I was able to wear jeans and fashionable but casual outfits on a more regular basis, but I had to ensure that everything was at a decent length, tightness, cut so that they were children friendly. At a Hamilton school I volunteered at, I had teacher's in all shapes and styles. From a-line symmetrical haircuts and professional working women attire to mom jeans and a pony tail. I guess in the end it's just one of those hurdles you cross when you get there.

I hope when it's practicum time, my clothes are fashionable and tasteful and my professionalism and experience rather than my age are what shine through. With practicums close at hand, I want to ensure that my clothes speak of someone who takes care for her appearance but is also practical about the job and what it physically and mentally entails. Sure I'd love to dress up like the girls on Sex and the City but I'd probably have to soak my feet in a foot soak every night after wearing Bradshaw's heels everyday!

My current fave store is RW&CO...I haven't had the chance to really buy a lot of pieces, but the quality and style are really something I would aspire to have once the moula rolls in on a more permanent basis. In the meantime I plan to bargain shop for my life...outlet store locations for Suzy Shier, Jacob etc are probably the closest I will get to decently priced office casual clothes that aren't tacky or mommish. I'm also itching to check out Forever21 for some good deals but I'll prob avoid their dresses since they all tend to be extremely mini. As for hair...well, I'll do my best to tame my wild mane but teacher's need to have some spunk in their style too!

EDIT:
I just looked at my online horoscope and the timing couldn't have been better:
You are likely to go on a shopping trip to buy a new wardrobe soon. Make sure that you go for the gigantic changes you are craving - if you stick to a conservative look just to impress others, it may backfire. Be yourself, let your creativity and individuality shine though.

Sounds good to me! :)