Teachers reminded about proper dress code

High skirts and plunging necklines that could distract students attention from learning and thus hinder effective teaching was again raised during Thursday’s monthly principals meeting at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.

William S. Reyes Elementary School principal Alfred Ada brought up the issue as a reminder to all principals to advise their teachers to dress properly inside school premises.

All principals from all public schools were present in the meeting and laughed when Ada took the floor and brought up the issue. In unison, the principals agreed on the dress code reminder.

Ada said that the reminder is part of the Public School Systems strategic priorities for safe and orderly schools in the CNMI.

“We asked the teachers and staff to dress professionally,” said Ada. He recalled taking one teacher aide aside at WSR to remind her about the proper dress code.

Ada further said that it is also important for the teachers’ image because students look up to them and respect them, so wearing appropriate clothing in school is strictly encouraged.

Garapan Elementary School principal Yvonne Gomez said that in any organization, people have their own personal style.

“But for us the major reason for the dress code is to ensure that everybody is professional,” said Gomez.

She said students, their parents, and the community put teachers in a higher standard.

She added that how teachers dress is how they are perceived and treated by the students and the community.

Gomez recalled no case of ever sending a teacher home or even sanctioning one for inappropriate clothing inside her school.

“Because on the island, people dress casually,” she said. She also pointed out that it is probably the main reason why some people do not mind what they wear everyday.

Kagman High School principal Doreen Tudela agreed and said teachers should wear clothes appropriately and observe the dress code.

“They have to reflect that professionalism,” she said. “Not only in their mannerisms and attitude but also in their attire because teachers are role models to the students.”

She said that one time she had to send a teacher back home to change clothes, but this teacher was a male teacher, she said smiling.

She did not say what the male teacher was wearing.