I AM silently reading my PowerPoint slides in preparation for my next class when a teacher wearing her signature bag and shoes arrived.
I heard her share about her branded dress and cosmetics.
At first it was like just a conversation, but as time passed by, I feel that she is becoming arrogant. Especially, when I heard her say that teachers not fully dressed in class are ultimately lousy, unprepared and incompetent.
But I disagree. I guess teachers must wear appropriate dress when teaching but not necessarily branded and expensive dresses. Yes, teachers work with parents, students, co-teachers and administrators and dress codes are important because they symbolize professionalism. But wardrobe brands are not necessary.
Of course, teachers should not be restricted to buy branded clothes, but to say that it measures a teacher’s competence? I strongly disagree.
I agree that a brilliant teacher is more than his or her branded bags being used. It is by wearing those branded bags that you use your power to influence students to build bridges, not walls; peace, not terror; honesty, not corruption; love, not to hate; impartiality, not injustice; and truth not lies.
I guess building a student’s passion to become instruments of hope in this world need not teachers to use signature bags at all.
I agree that an equipped teacher does not show on how expensive his or her shoes is. A good teacher is someone who can fill up hope and become instruments for students to embrace all diversities in life.
They are those who can make a big difference, even by wearing the cheapest shoes. They are those who have the perseverance that will lead the students to reach their dreams and aspirations.
I agree that a fully dressed teacher is those wearing clothes that embraces students when they are in pain, fear or when they fall, or even when in joy. It is wearing that passion that will possibly shape the students when they become professionals, the way they decide at work, the way they treat their co-workers, partners, spouses, children and the community.
Honestly, I have met a lot of highly intelligent teachers, but I don’t hear them say they need the most expensive outfit to teach effectively.
Ahh... Flowers do not utter words to declare their arrival, they simply bloom in time... Have a humble heart!