The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE)has issued a new dress code for its staff and the educational institutions working under it.
Accordingly, female teachers are not to wear jeans and tights, and male teachers are prohibited from wearing jeans and t-shirts.
A letter issued by FDE detailed that all Heads of Institutions have been directed to ensure that each staff member presents a good physical appearance and personal hygiene, including regular haircuts, trimmed beards, and nails, has bathed and uses perfumes or deodorants.
The letter also contained a directive for the gatekeepers to always be uniformed and recommended that all the support staff should wear uniforms as well.
It read:
It is recommended that all teaching staff must wear teaching gowns while teaching in the class and lab coats while taking practical periods in laboratories and all the non-teaching staff must always maintain a presentable appearance in neat, clean, and properly ironed clothes and appropriate shoes.
Regarding the recommended formal dress code for females, the FDE wrote,
Weather appropriate simple and decent shalwar kameez, trouser, shirt with dupatta/shawl. Pardah observing females are allowed to wear scarf/hijab while ensuring its clean and neat appearance.
Additionally, wearing jeans and tights is not allowed in any case, and only formal shoes (pumps, loafers, and mules) are permitted. Owing to long-standing hours during teaching, comfortable shoes like sneakers and sandals can be worn, but wearing slippers is prohibited.
It added:
During the winter season, coats, blazers as well as sweaters, jerseys, cardigans, and shawls of decent colors and design are allowed.
FDE’s letter mentioned the recommended formal dress for males saying:
Weather appropriate simple and decent shalwar kameez preferably with a waistcoat in accordance with the weather conditions. Wear a dress shirt (full sleeves preferably with tie) and trousers (dress and cotton pants only). Wearing jeans is not allowed in any case. During the summer, a half sleeves dress shirt or bush shirt can also be worn but t-shirts of all types are not allowed. Only formal shoes (dress shoes, loafers, moccasins, and boots) must be worn, and owing to longstanding hours during teaching comfortable shoes like sneakers and sandals can be worn as well. However, wearing slippers is not allowed at all
The letter added that research evidence has proven that attire influences the perception of viewers, including students. A good first impression imposes a very positive expectation among students.
It further explained that “there is no doubt about it that a positive impression ultimately imposes a positive learning atmosphere and creates a long-lasting impression in students’ minds. Therefore, the need was felt to reiterate the importance of the dress code and the professional attire of the education sector staff”.
