I will never forget the job interview that began my full-time teaching career.   It was for a 4/5 blend in a Title 1 school in North Portland.

I walked into the cramped principal's office.  There were already four other people in the room, and I walked in wearing a suit and tie.  I looked really out of place. Everyone else was wearing shorts and t-shirts because it was the last few weeks of August and there was no AC.

 I was 27 years old, full of enthusiasm, with a Bachelor's in Education and a year of subbing experience.  The first thing the principal said to me was, "Nice suit!"    I answered their questions the best that I could.   Did I have all the right answers?  Absolutely not.  Did I look like I did?  Probably not.  Did I look like I was trying and that I cared? Absolutely.  

When you are walking into a school that you have never been to before, everyone (from the office staff, teachers, and principal to the bus drivers and custodians) will all instantly form an opinion about you based on how you are dressed.   It may not be fair, but it is reality.  You are not a babysitter, a camp counselor, or just a cool adult whom you think kids will love to hang out with.   You are a professional showing up to do a professional and important job.   

And maybe the ones whose opinions matter most are your customers. The kids who come into your classroom.  They all want to spend the day with an adult who dresses like they care for them.