Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi everyone,
I recently had my first day as a teacher trainee at my second school placement, however I have an issue with the male staff dress code at the school and I'm looking for advice on reasonable adjustments.
My school mentor has asked me to wear a tie, and I have explained to her that I am autistic and find it extremely uncomfortable to wear them. I'm not sure why, but wearing a tie just diminishes my confidence and makes me feel emotionally and physically exhausted.
(This is an absolutely non-negotiable issue for me - I'm not even open to compromising on wearing a clip-on tie or even a bow tie.)
Would it constitute a reasonable adjustment for the school to excuse me from wearing a tie?
Jordan
Other Notes
I have explained to my university tutor that I believe it constitutes a reasonable adjustment, however she still believes I should wear a tie if my school is asking me to. I have also explained the issue to the disability department at my university, who believe that it is certainly reasonable for me to ask the school again to excuse me from wearing a tie.
Hi
I have taught in secondary schools for 15 years. The schools that I have worked at have been really strict on male staff wearing ties so I just wanted to warn you that you will be the only male teacher that the students will have ever seen not in a tie. I am not writing this to make you feel bad in your request, if it bothers you definitely ask! I just want you to be prepared that the students will ask you questions about why you aren't wearing a tie so that you can have your answer ready.
Perhaps people on here can suggest a good reason to say to them. I can only think of saying that you are too hot, but lots of male staff moan about that and have to wear ties so that one is out. My head teachers have only let the men take their ties off once the temperature went above 28 degrees Celsius! Poor guys!
Maybe say that you have ezcema to students? Or the real reason?
I have been worrying about whether to write this bit or not. But I figured that I would want to know if I was you...... I have to warn you that your mentor is trying to insist upon it because unfortunately some students will unconsciously judge you for not wearing a tie and you would have to work harder to earn their respect as they may see you as a 'safe' teacher. This would only take a few months for the first few years that you get new classes.
You will also find it much more difficult to get a job if you don't wear a tie at an interview.
I do not agree with this and I wish that this wasn't the case, but I have had middle management positions at 3 different schools so I know why the mentor is trying to strongly encourage you into wearing a tie. But maybe there are progressive schools out there. I like to hope so.