Hi everyone and welcome to my first Teachers on Trend blog!
I wanted to share a little bit of why I started my Instagram account @teachersontrend. After teaching in many schools in Queensland, I travelled overseas and the did whole backpacking thing. I had become disillusioned with the 'system' and lost sight of why I wanted to become a teacher in the first place (a dream of mine since I was five years old) While Iiving in Europe, I couldn't help but notice how much teachers were respected as people and how teaching was a profession that was considered to be one of great importance and meaning.
Upon returning to Australia, I started teaching in Brisbane again and I was shocked by how many disenchanted, tired and stressed teachers there were. The new curriculum pushed teachers and students to their limits and it seemed there was little or no gratitude for my amazing colleagues and their tireless efforts. My chosen career, was full of overworked, exhausted and selfless people and with the majority of primary teachers being female, many were mothers also, and so time poor that the last thing they worried about was their appearance. I am not a mother, so I am constantly amazed how women who teach, can raise a family as well, nevermind think about their fashion choices! These women especially, deserve to look and feel amazing. Don't get me wrong! I know there are lots of stylishly and professionally dressed teachers out there and if you're one of them - kudos to you!
Towards the end of last year, after a big operation, I started to "not care" about what I wore to work and I constantly said to myself "They're just kids. They don't care what I wear." and "It doesn't impact my actual teaching." But I was wrong...
Teaching is an amazing service to the community. It is a vocation and it is full of smart, caring, creative women and men, who dedicate so many hours of their time to others. I realised what I was wearing to school, like any job, was an outward symbol of my attitude to my career and it was witnesed by my students, parents and colleagues. It was time to dress in a way that this amazing job was worthy of.
First obstacle - money!
So we teachers don't make a fortune. However, you can look stylish on a budget. With stores like K Mart and online shopping. The fashion industry is more affordable and competitive than ever before!
Second obstacle - dirt!
Let's face it. Kids are dirty - especially the little ones, so you're not going to wear Calvin Klein to school. In fact, you may be tempted to pull out your least best outfit because you know it's going to get ruined. BUT.... Just because your clients are ten and under, doesn't mean you shouldn't look your best. Teachers on Trend is all about realistic, practical and stylish (to me!) clothing that won't break the bank. Since I have started my account and started to think about what I wear, I have had so many compliments from parents and colleagues, I am treated with more respect and my students all want to be teachers one day! But most importantly I feel more confident in the classroom and in myself. I feel proud to be a teacher!
So fellow teachers, you are all amazing. Dress accordingly!
Ange x
Follow my account on Instagram @teachersontrend