A teacher recently received criticism for her choice of outfits while working with kids. Ay?e Arslan, who claims to be an elementary school teacher, showcased her weekly looks in a video that went viral, garnering over 12 million views. In the video, she can be seen wearing various outfits that some deemed inappropriate for a school setting.
One day, Ay?e wore a short black skirt with frills and high-top Converse sneakers. In another clip, she sported high-waist shorts, a crop top, and Birkenstock-style sandals. Throughout the week, she also wore a tennis-style skirt with a crop top, high-waist trousers with a crop top, and a lacy crop top with a maxi skirt.
While Ay?e may have felt confident and stylish in her outfits, many viewers on Instagram disagreed. Some comments criticized her attire, stating that it was not suitable for a teacher working with children. They suggested that her outfits were more appropriate for a bar than a school setting.
On the other hand, some viewers defended Ay?e, reminiscing about their own experiences with teachers who had a unique sense of style. They praised her for being cool and relatable to students. Despite the mixed reactions, the controversy sparked a discussion about teacher dress codes.
The National Education Union (NEU) does not recommend a formal dress code for teachers, allowing them to dress according to their professional judgment. However, outfits should not interfere with the teaching and learning process or pose a safety risk. The NEU emphasizes respect for staff’s religious beliefs, cultural practices, and gender identity.
While some viewers criticized Ay?e for her outfit choices, others appreciated her individuality and creativity. Ultimately, the debate surrounding teacher dress codes highlights the importance of professionalism while allowing for personal expression. As educators, teachers play a significant role in shaping students’ perceptions and should strike a balance between self-expression and appropriateness in their attire.