Council discusses formulation of teachers dress code

By Gabi Khumalo
The South African Council for Educators (SACE) has called on schools to help formulate guidelines for a dress code for school teachers.
The council?s Chief Executive Officer Rej Brijraj said the Department of Education had received a number of complaints that some teachers were not dressing appropriately.
"There were complaints that some female teachers dress in a very revealing way,' Mr Brijraj said, adding that in order to uphold the teaching profession, the department had instructed the council to look into the matter and develop a dress code.
He called on schools to convene a meeting involving all stakeholders including teachers? representatives to consider the acceptability of current modes of dress of educators.
"The schools should decide on guidelines for appropriate dress pertaining to the different teaching contexts and extra curricular activities, considering climatic conditions, cultural sensitiveness and costs,' he said.
Mr Brijraj recommended that complaints regarding teachers who allegedly brought the profession into disrepute by wearing inappropriate attire in the course of their duties should be submitted to SACE for consideration.
"We are promoting the notion that dress constitutes an important element of the professional bearing of educators and educators are required to dress in a manner benefiting the teaching profession,' he said.
The SACE also called on the department and teacher unions to formulate a sustainable plan to safeguard the psychological and physical well-being of both educators and learners and also embark on an urgent programme to upgrade school facilities up to an acceptable minimum standard.
"The council suggests a holistic plan that is implementable and ensures that our teachers and learners are safe, " Mr Brijraj said.
He also acknowledged the good work done by teachers, often in trying circumstances, noting that educators are also leaders and agents for educational and societal transformation.
SACE is a professional council that aims to enhance the status of the teaching profession and to promote the development of educators and their professional conduct.
The council has three core functions - to provide for the registration of educators, promote professional development of educators and set, maintain and protect ethical and professional standards.
- BuaNews