THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT of a dress code for students was well received by parents and the public. It was not the first time such a policy was enunciated but the first time all stakeholders showed common purpose and solidarity.

As encouraging as this new-found unanimity would appear, it is hoped that all principals will enforce the code with equal forcefulness. This is very important since it has been known, for example, that some schools showed a tolerance for skirt lengths above the knee, others at the knee and yet others two inches below the knee.

Such variation, whilst an example of the use of discretion, merely served to undermine the real purpose of the decision but if students are expected to conform to the dress code, then, why not their teachers? There can be hardly any doubt that the way a teacher dresses has a great deal to do with how students react to him/her. It is clear that students are less likely to respect teachers whose deportment is unacceptable. If teachers want respect from students, they must conduct themselves like professionals and dress as professionals do.

In the same way that students are told their clothing must not be distracting, the teacher's clothing should not be distracting either. Often younger teachers, not too long out of school themselves, may be inclined to push the fashion limits or wear what makes them feel comfortable – a tight-fitting blouse designed to show every curve, an array of earrings or other body piercings or art, particularly at non-teaching school events, seemingly oblivious to the fact that they are still being observed by the students.

We accept that teachers are entitled to some degree of fashion freedom but some "mash the crease", making policy makers and perhaps students too, raise their eyebrows. We are willing to throw out a challenge. The next time you walk into a secondary school on a day students, are not wearing uniforms, tell us whether you have been able to distinguish, easily, the teachers from the students in the hallway.

Teachers, though basically entitled to some fashion freedom, need ever to be conscious that he/she is a model for the students. And so at all times, teachers' attire should satisfy the doctrine that their fashion and deportment add dignity to the educational profession. This point should be mandatory and play a prominent part in teacher orientation, as well as briefings at the beginning of new term meetings.

It goes without saying that rules applicable to students must not permit license of exemption by teachers. Hence multiple piercings and visible tattoos must be off limits as should mini-skirts, low cut blouses, midriff exposure and unkempt facial hair.

There can be no question that the image teachers reflect as professionals is associated with attire both at school and in the community. Today, learning is more visual than by rote, thus there is no room for "too low, too short or too tight".

Teachers, if there is to be no dress code, must remain modest and conservative.