Job Discussion Forums

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

How do you feel about the new "Glam Rock Teacher" trend that is sweeping the globe?

As more and more schools pass over the 'old look' teacher with his light shirt, dark trousers, flash necktie and shiny shoes in favor of teachers with big hair, tight leather trousers, platform boots and a penchant for wearing makeup the face of language instruction is changing rapidly.

Are you prepared to change your style to keep up with growing demands to be glamorous instead of professional?

Or will you resist the pressure to wear lipstick, eyeliner and unisex clothing?

NEW STYLE TEFL TEACHER

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Did you lose a bet?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I wasn't aware that there was such a trend, but it sounds, um, interesting. Is it only for the boys, though?

d

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

A couple of years ago, 70s glam rocker Gary Glitter fell foul of the law in Cambodia and Vietnam, where he claimed to be working as an EFL teacher. It transpired that his interest in young learners was rather unhealthy.

soapdodger · Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 203

Well rather something interesting than the universal trend amongst people today to dress like unimaginative clowns. Individuality? Don't make me laugh. I can't wait until Nike or some such comes out with the 60 cm long trainer to complete the effect.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

I'm curious now; how do you typically dress, soapdodger?

soapdodger · Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 203

Well, "old style teacher" actually, white shirts, dark trousers, stylish ties, expensive jackets....out of respect for my students. At home, if the family isn't around, bollock naked.

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I don't think I could get away with that in the Middle East. Crying or Very sad

It's hard enough being comfortable, semi-fashionable, and not offending anyone by showing more than an inch of skin!

d

soapdodger · Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 203

I'm sorry Sigmoid, but I can't agree with you. Alot of schools would prefer to have teachers who don't look like extras from Pirates of the Caribbean as it suggests professionality ( rare though that actually is in EFL). I teach businesspeople, doctors, government workers and other professions, usually at their workplace and it would simply be bad-mannered to turn up anything less than smart. Teenagers are not so daft either and are not one bit alienated by a teacher who is well-dressed; they realise that it means that the teacher is taking his or her job seriously, and them as students seriously too - someone who is attempting to be "kewl" is just marked down as a pushover, unless of course they happen to have good teaching skills.
The point I was really trying to make is that today, as never before, the story of the Emeror's new clothes is exceedingly pertinent. People are welcome to think that, in the case of men, being bald, tatooed and wearing clothes that look like they've been shrunk in the wash is sophisticated. If I'm "unkewl" to think otherwise, then I'm happy to be in a minority.