If you work in special education, you’ll quickly notice that we can’t always dress how we envision ourselves. You know when you’re training to be a teacher.. and you have this vision of looking so professional and perfect like the movies?
That’s not always how life turns out. Trust me. That’s why I wanted to take the opportunity to share my best special education teacher outfit tips with you all. I have come a long way in 10 years – and I’ve experienced a LOT when it comes to outfit choices.
Be Practical
Remember that you are dressing to be practical, not for a fashion show. Don’t look at those models on magazine covers who are dressed up perfectly for work. It’s just not realistic for us working in schools, especially in special education.
Flats Are Your Friend!
Go for flats over heels every time. And make sure you break those shoes in before you wear them to work. You want them to be comfy, you’re most likely going to be on your feet for the majority of the day, and the last thing you want are blisters.
Closed Toes
Even when it’s boiling hot in the summer, try to go for closed top shoes. I’ve seen a few nasty incidents with open toe sandals, and not done on purpose either. There’s so many obstacles in the classroom, and it’s easy for a chair to accidentally be placed on your foot or for a student to stand it on it. But not to mention, if you are dealing with some physical behaviours – the last thing you want is a pair of sandals.
Can You Run?
Another tip for your footwear is to make sure you can run in it. And I mean, really run in it. You never know what behaviours you may have with your students, and if you have one who elopes, you’re going to want to be quick on your feet. Remember, be practical.
Skirts
Skirts have been a no-no for me for a long time. I’ve seen members of staff have many unfortunate experiences with skirts being blown up – pulled up, pulled down and so on. They end up feeling very embarrassed, which isn’t nice.
If you really want to wear skirts, go for leggings underneath it. Also, going back to what we talked about with the footwear, remember to be practical. You don’t want to be in a high waisted tight fitting skirt all day that you barely breathe in, never mind move around in.
Trusty Trousers
Trousers are great, especially in warmer weather. You can get a whole range of different styles of trousers, but I’ve always gone for dark colours – black or navy.
We have a job that usually results in us getting messy, and the last thing I want is to be worrying about how messy everything looks. But, when you wear darker colours, you don’t notice things as much as you would if they were lighter. Also, you can get some really afford trousers at great prices that last for years.
I Can See It All!!
Leggings. Please don’t wear leggings without a long top or dress. The amount of times I’ve seen people in leggings where I can see their underwear on show because they’ve worn them with a t-shirt. Just no. Unless you’re wearing proper gym leggings where your modesty is in full-tact, please avoid.
And talking of gym leggings – these are great if you have an active class. They’re stretchy and they’re easy for you to move around in. Plus you can get some really smart looking ones too.
Jeans
There’s also jeans. Now, I’ve never been anywhere that you can wear full on jeans. But, black skinny almost jegging style jeans, that look smart and professional, without any rips or designs have been ok.
And these have always been my go-to especially in winter months and colder weather. They’re thicker – and this works great if you have students who are prone to biting as well because it just feels like you have that little bit extra layer of protection.
Plus, I’ve always found them so easy to move around in. They’re also comfortable to sit on the floor in too. I feel like they’re durable as well and they would last me ages. If they started to fade, I’d just dye them black again!
Not-So-Dressy Dresses
You can get some great day dresses that look really professional. And a lot of us feel comfier in dresses than tops and trousers. Just make sure to wear leggings with them – remember my warning about the skirt incident. Nobody wants to be sharing their underwear with everyone.
Also, try to go for ones with thicker sleeves and not low-cut. Remember, you may have students who are hands-on and like to pull at you or take part in harmless fun and the last thing you want is a dress pulling too far down.
T-Shirts and Jumpers
T-shirts and jumpers are great to have on hand, and you can get some really great priced ones – especially if they’re plain. I’ve always liked to go for plain colour t-shirts and jumpers and the dress them up with cardigans or scarves.
Comfy Cardigans
Cardigans are a life-saver. You can put them on if you’re cold, take them off if you’re too warm.. But they’re usually just the perfect temperature to add to your outfit. They also look like they set an outfit off and make it look that bit more professional.
Scarves to the Rescue!
And if you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know how much I love a scarf. I actually have an IGTV video over on my Instagram talking about outfits including why I love wearing scarves.
And basically, it’s because you can just use them for so many ways. I love them because they keep me warm especially if I find myself outside without planning, you can get some really stylish ones to smarten up an outfit, you can use them to cover your mouth and nose – especially great if you have a weak stomach like me. I just love adding a scarf to an outfit.
Hello, Hair
Now, hair is a tough one because so many people I speak to always say about putting your hair up. Over the years I’ve had a lot of hair pulls – both up in a ponytail and down. And I’ve gotta say, the better experience – if you can call it that – was when my hair was down. We were able to free my hair easier.
When my hair was up, the student got their fingers tangled in everything, plus I had the bobble pulling my hair back and it was just a nightmare. But, you might find that having your hair up works better for you – and that’s ok too.
On days that I wear my hair down, I just take a bobble with me so that I can put it up quickly if I need to. Especially if you have days with PE or swimming.
Blingy Accessories
This one can be quite a hot topic. I always stand by one rule – if it’s sentimental, it doesn’t go into school with me. Schools are such busy places, the last thing you want is to be panicking. And it’s so easy for someone to catch a bracelet or necklace and break it.
You might be dealing with challenging behaviours and take it off and it goes missing. There’s just honestly no need to be wearing anything sentimental.
Also, think about it from a health and safety point of view. I die a little inside when I’ve visited schools and seen teachers with big hoop earrings hanging from their ears. You won’t believe the pain that’s going to cause if they get ripped out of their ears – and it’s not always done on purpose. Sure, our students can get challenging and aggressive. But, they also get curious. They won’t know how gentle they need to be. And the last thing you want is a hoop earring being ripped down your earlobe.
And that goes with a lot of piercings to be honest. I have never wore my earrings to school. And I know a lot of other staff who used to take out nose rings, earrings, belly button piercings – and just anything really that was loose to wear to school because they just didn’t want to tempt fate.
Bracelets are another one to be careful of and rings. Rings especially if you may be used de-escalation techniques like restraint, or hands-on activities with students. Rings can be sharp and it’s easy to accidentally cut or leave a mark on someone with a ring.
Cut Those Nails!
You know those long nails that a lot of people love to have? Or the ones that are shaped to a point? Just remember that you work in a classroom, with students, especially if you’re with young students, and just how harmful those nails can be.
Keep them short and soft to avoid any unpleasant accidents.
Anyway, those are my best tips for what to wear in the classroom. If you have any other tips to share, be sure to leave a comment down below. I love hearing about outfits that work for you to give everyone else inspiration too!
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