Federal Directorate of Education issues dress code for male and female teachers – Pakistan

• Prohibit educators from wearing jeans, tight pants, t-shirts during office hours
• Principal told to ensure teaching, non-teaching staff observe personal hygiene

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) on Monday asked female teachers not to wear jeans and tights and banned their male colleagues from wearing jeans and t-shirts.

All principals have been directed to ensure that their teaching and non-teaching staff (both male and female) ensure personal hygiene, including regular haircuts, beard trimming, nail trimming and use of perfume.

By letter, FDE directs principals of schools and colleges to ensure compliance with dress codes and staff personal hygiene.

A letter issued by the academic director states: All responsible heads of institutions/sections should ensure that each staff member observes proper conduct in their physical appearance and personal hygiene.

This includes regular haircuts, beard trimming, nail trimming, bathing and the use of deodorant/perfume. The letter says that gatekeepers should always wear the recommended uniform and all support staff can also be provided with uniforms.

Explaining the dress code, the letter says all staff must maintain a formal dress code while in institutions, venues and during official gatherings, ceremonies and gatherings.

It is recommended that all teaching staff should wear teaching clothes when teaching in class and lab coats when participating in laboratory practicums, the letter said, adding that non-teaching staff should always maintain a presentable appearance in neat, clean, and properly ironed clothes. . appropriate clothing and shoes.

The letter recommends formal attire for women which includes: modest and decent shalwar qameez, trousers, shirt with dupatta/shawl. Women who maintain purdah are allowed to wear a scarf/hijab while making sure their appearance is clean and tidy. Wearing jeans and tights is not allowed under any circumstances. Only formal shoes (pumps, loafers and mules) are allowed. Due to the long teaching hours, comfortable shoes such as sneakers and sandals can also be worn. But wearing sandals is not allowed at all.

During winter, coats, blazers, as well as sweaters, T-shirts, cardigans, and scarves of appropriate colors and designs are allowed.

For male staff, the letter reads: Wear a proper, modest and modest shalwar qameez preferably with a vest suited to the weather conditions. Wear a shirt (full sleeves preferably with a tie) and long pants (cotton dress and pants only). Wearing jeans is not allowed in any case. During the summer, half-sleeved shirts or bush shirts can also be worn, but all types of shirts are not allowed.

Only formal shoes (formal shoes, loafers, moccasins and boots) should be worn and due to long teaching hours, comfortable shoes such as sneakers and sandals can also be worn. However, wearing sandals is not allowed at all, the letter said.

It is said for men, wearing a shalwar qameez with a vest, pants and shirt with a tie (preferably a jacket/coat) is mandatory.

For women, appropriate attire for the occasion (shalwar qameez, trousers, shirt) with dupatta/scarf should be considered. Fancy/party dresses in formal gatherings/meetings are not recommended, the letter added.

Commenting on the letter, a teacher on condition of anonymity said in many institutions under the FDE, especially in universities, there are many teachers holding PhD degrees who along with teaching staff and other non-teaching staff are now supposed to observe haircuts, nails regularly. cut other than using perfume.

Instructions related to cutting hair and nails should be for students, not for teachers. It’s strange, but I personally support the instructions regarding the dress code, he said.

When contacted, an FDE director said the letter was issued in good faith. It is the teacher’s responsibility to observe proper dress code as they are role models for students.

Asked about nail cutting and haircuts, he said teaching staff and non-teachers were only sensitive through the letter.

The letter says research has proven that clothes leave an influence on the perception of viewers, whether students or others. The outlook provides a very positive expectation of the possibilities and patterns of student behavior.

It is undeniable that a positive impression will eventually lead to a positive learning atmosphere and create a lasting impression in the minds of students. Therefore, it is necessary to reaffirm the importance of dress code and professional attire for education sector staff, he added.

Published in Dawn, September 7, 2021