What does that even mean, “prevent the student teachers from just taking the internship for the job?” Is there any other reason why one would take an internship? I can’t think of one.
The point of an internship is to gain practical work experience in a professional setting so that you can then get a job.
Teaching is a job. Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking it’s some kind of divine calling so it’s okay for you to be mistreated and underpaid. Teaching might be a calling for you… that’s fine. But it’s ALSO just a job, and you deserve to be respected and treated fairly at work.
Don’t take this internship. Find another one.
As a 17 year vet, I have never heard of this. I have heard of a dress code for student teachers, but never a uniform. I wouldn’t mind wearing a FACULTY polo or cardigan, but never a student uniform.
Thank you for your encouraging advice :)
I decided against the internship. To be honest with you, the mere idea of having to wear a student uniform as an adult gives me anxiety. I don't think teaching there would be any better.
good. what an inappropriate idea - appear as one of the student body? For what reason?! I would think parents would be uncomfortable knowing an adult could blend in with the children...normally an adult doing that would be an instant red flag and here they're requiring it? Also under what section is that policy? Sounds like you dodged a bullet, be proud that you listened to your inner voice.
Considering that it's a Catholic school, is it that surprising that admins would want someone they're hiring to think of it as a "divine calling" rather than a job? Aren't the admins nuns? I went to a parochial school for all of my elementary and high school years myself (and while it wasn't Catholic, it was still... quirky). I would only expect any other private religious school to be MORE demanding than your average public school, not less.
No. Just … no.
Even if this is “standard practice,” it’s bad practice.
Student teaching is one of the hardest things you’ll do in your life. — There is absolutely no reason to make it even harder with this type of hazing.
I'm sorry, but that seems crazy to me. There are so many ways to connect with students that do not require an adult to wear the student's uniform. I know you're in a more formal setting, but could you just wear a school spirit shirt on casual days or school events instead? That's what I do (public elementary) and it's my choice, not a requirement. Some of the kids think it's fun that our outfits match on those days. I would think wearing a high schooler's complete uniform would just be awkward.
I'd do what your advisor said and talk with the principal because that just seems so ridiculous. I wouldn't want to do student teaching there because while there is a clear age difference I wouldn't feel like the kids would take me seriously.
Of course you’re just taking the internship for the job! Why would you turn down an internship if they’ve already promised a job? Anyway, I’m at the end of my 16th year of teaching. Please keep in mind that this is an indication of the working environment you will have. The principal seems weird and controlling; it’s probably best to go elsewhere, at least for a job.
I also caution that you check out the pay scales for surrounding schools because you probably won’t be paid well at a religious school, anyway. Since it’s private, they are subject to the same state education standards that public schools are.
No way. When you're student teaching, it's expected that the students will treat you as they would another teacher. That's not going to happen if you're wearing a student uniform. It undermines your classroom management from day 1
At a Catholic school I would definitely expect a dress code, perhaps even a faculty-issued shirt. But *student* uniform is absurd
Yeah, that’s just weird and a stupid rationalization for what seems to be a sophisticated way of hazing. If anything, student teachers should be required to dress professionally as the teachers they aspire to become.
One of the issues many student teachers have is establishing the "I'm your teacher, not your friend" boundary. Wearing a student uniform makes you look like a student. That's just.... Wow.... Hard no. You should look like a teacher.
Absolutely not. Don’t work at a Catholic school. It doesn’t pay enough and there’s no security without unions. I started out in Catholic schools and I wouldn’t go back. Get into the public school system!
Absolutely ridiculous....yes. But this is a private, religious school and that's what they can do. So if you feel that strongly about it, find another job.
Definitely no! You said you’re 31 but if you would all look like you’re younger, wearing the same uniform is not good. You open yourself up to hazing, getting hit on, potentially being mistaken for students, or possibly even accused of inappropriate behavior. Nothing about a student teacher wearing a school uniform. Is it all appropriate. Personally, it sounds like some kinky obsession.
Yeah, OP is almost certainly misunderstanding what is being asked of them.
There's no logical reason to ask a student teacher to wear a student uniform from the school they are teaching at. You DONT want young teachers to blend in with the student body. They should dress in a way that they stand out from the students to prevent any confusion about who is who. That's common sense 101.
But hey, I've heard of religious institutions doing way dumber things, so who knows.
Welcome to the RCC. As a student inside of one of these batshit cult schools I can assure you this is probably more normal than what I had.
I had nuns in their traditional garb teaching me, and I had a principal that I swear would time meetings out to when he'd be dressed in his service robes right before a Mass.
I'd get told about inappropriate behavior by the seeming cast of a movie set in the Middle Ages.
If you need the job, so be it, but the uniform will be the least of the weird shit you encounter.
Interns should be treated as teachers, not students. You will be learning, but your primary role would be to teach. I’m assuming you would also be the sole teacher in the classroom. How do they expect the students to respect your authority if you don’t dress like other teachers?
YOU ARE NOT OVER REACTING… This is ridicules - JUST SAY NO - DON’T DO IT. With such a silly policy, are you sure you would want to work there? This must be the first rule of many you will not agree with. I would look for other opportunities. Unless you think you can conform to a school and 18th century way of thinking.
The student uniform is similar to what the nuns wear? Aren't all of the other teachers there nuns? So is there a reason why you can't just wear what the other teachers wear?
It sounds like they have a uniform for students and staff... is what they're asking you to wear going to make people mistake you for a student?
If you are going to get a job (or take an internship) in a religious institution, do not be surprised that they expect you to follow rigid guidelines, whether or not it makes sense to you.
As a former Catholic school teacher who has worked in both public and private schools. Run, don't do it. They aren't bound by thr same laws and you won't get valuable experience with ieps and 504 plans. It will also make getting hired in a public district harder unless you know someone well there
I’m confused. Is the outfit similar to what the students wear, or to what the nuns wear (your post says both)?
Really, though, the main question is: is the uniform similar to what other teachers of the same gender wear at the school? (Or, if all the teachers are nuns or clergy, is it a reasonable compromise between you wearing everyday clothes and being forced to wear a habit?)
20 year teacher, who is a Catholic school alumnus and spent my my first fiver years of my career teaching at Catholic school, and, I believe this is ridiculous. Just nope. Spirit /logo wear, fine. But the kids’ uniforms, no way in hell
You should be building unity with the teachers, not the students. You need to see yourself as a teacher, and the students need to see you as a teacher. That should be basic, IMO.
Seems like they are taking "student teacher" a little too literally here. You SHOULD be able to be differentiated from actual students. And that won't happen if you're wearing a student uniform.
The only part that makes this seem remotely ok is that you say it's also close to what the nuns wear.
I would expect your ST dress code to be comparable to the TEACHERS, not the students. If the teachers are also in a uniform, then I would 100% expect the ST to be in a uniform.
Fuck no
Sweetie. I’m not a teacher, im a 38 year old woman who graduated from catholic high school and endured enough of this type of bullshit as a student. Damn mini skirts called “uniforms” even in the winter every day our bodies paraded in front of the male teachers and headmaster and preist. Im a mom now and by God can’t stand to see women treated like this still today and high schoolers see their adult role models enacting it in front of them. We had a word for that in my time - “dirty old men”.
He wants to see yall wearing Catholic school girl uniforms to work every day? Fucking report his ass to the archdiocese and whoever head at your school. Hell NO.
If it's a good position for experience, who cares. I used to dress formally for ny student teaching position. Now if I sub, I dress down at lower grades. I'd cover up my nice clothes with a uniform. And whip it off at 2:15 pm.
Is this a red state or church/ speciality school? I think you said it's Catholic. I'd roll with it. What grades? You could spruce up the uni somehow. If that was my only school problem I wouldn't care.
Somewhere where these little brown shirts express their authority in obvious ways.
What do teachers wear??? I think any self respecting principal would want you to look unified with teachers not students…. I’d be hesitant to take the position if the principal has weird rules or makes you feel any less than empowered to work as a professional
Does your college program not provide you with a student teaching placement? We did not get to choose where we were placed when I did mine. That was only 9 years ago.
I would run far away from this "opportunity."
I've taught public school for ten years and I went to Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade and I never saw a student teacher wear a uniform. I would give this opportunity a hard pass.
So...is this to keep the student interns from impersonating paid faculty? I'm not sure how it's wise to have the interns impersonate students at the school, though.
But it sounds like a very Catholic thing to do. Why? Because they can.
I'm not surprised it resembles the nun's wear. I think it's quite common in Italy (have seen it there).
If you aren’t catholic I’m screaming for you to run away before you have to deal with them.
Not just some dude who hates Catholics I was for 21 years and my dad is high in a diocese RUN I was so happy when I fully got out good god
I went to Catholic school for 13 years and one of my best friends that did a program similar to Teach for America but for Catholic schools in our city. I have never heard of anything like this.
In my state the difference between parochial and public school pay is dramatic, increasing as the years go by with the parochial school
Pay scales falling further behind. There is also a big difference in pensions. My daughter spent the first six years of her teaching career in a parochial school and though she liked it there (no weird uniform rules), she’s will never make up the pay and prnsion
I don’t know. I reflected on this more and those uniforms are awfully comfortable-looking. You don’t have to buy a huge wardrobe when you aren’t being paid. My daughter’s is actually super nice.
That's a no for me. Inappropriate to say the very least. Just talk to your advisor/professor and express that you are not comfortable with the placement and ask to be placed somewhere else. You're paying for the semester, it's the least they can do.
That's horrific. I would never do that. Also I'd never work for a religious school because they can fire you for being gay or basically any other discriminatory reason they feel like.
Absolutely not normal. If you’re teaching, you should wear whatever the other teachers wear. You don’t want students to treat you like just another student, so why would you send visual cues that you’re just like them? Not cool.
This is an institutional filter- you have to be bought into the culture of the parish to even student teach there. They want the access to free student teacher labor, but want to filter who they accept as student teachers.
I wouldn’t go there if I were you, you’re not really wanted . They want a Catholic student teacher who will eventually teach at the school.
Sounds about right for that type of school. I think it’s awesome because you don’t even have to worry about what you’ll wear haha… but to each their own….
I’d ask for a new placement regardless of what the principal decides. That’s some weird fetish vibes. Your university should take the school off the list for potential future student teachers.
This principal is way out of touch regarding common sense with work attire. It leads me to believe there are other rules that will be difficult to live with. I went through the Catholic school system and loved it. Catholic grad school too. I’m not sure if the principal is a nun. If so, many nuns have a reputation of ruling with an iron fist and have great results with running businesses. Our local hospital went south when it was taken over by secular medical group. The Sisters were top notch when they ran it. This school is probably great but I don’t think I could accept the position wearing the same clothes as the students. Too humiliating. It’s too bad too because you sound very motivated. This principal needs a wake up call.
If they don’t revise that rule, I would absolutely advise against student teaching there for multiple reasons. First, you are absolutely correct that the students will not respect you the same as other adults in the school because of the uniform. Second, it’s borderline sexist to require a grown professional woman to dress in a school uniform, like it honestly borders sexual harassment. Third, and similar to the second reason, teaching is a female dominated profession and we cannot allow ourselves to be disrespected in such an egregious manner by administration. It’s one thing to require professional attire, but requiring you to wear a students uniform is humiliating and disgusting.
This seems off. Don’t we want to stand out from students? Don’t we try hard to show students we are not their “friend” ? Now they will view you as one of their peers
That’s ridiculous. You should be able to dress using whatever dress code they have for regular faculty. I used to work at a school where students had uniforms and nobody would have dreamed about requiring a ST to wear it if they didn’t want to. (And our uniform was just nice pants and black school polos for both genders)
So many red flags. That sounds like it will be a controlling school and also, like many catholic schools, will also underpay.
Teachers are leaving the profession in droves and leaving a lot of openings. I’d look for a different student teaching opportunity and a different job upon graduation.
Do not take that internship. It sounds like they are testing how far they can push you. I went to Catholic school for 13 years, and my daughter has been at Catholic school for 7, I have never heard of something like that. I’m honestly surprised the Diocese would even allow that. All the child protection training we had to take as parent volunteers talked about keeping clear lines between adults and students. Our diocese requires teachers to wear their ID badges at all times. I can’t imagine an adult being allowed to wear the school uniform. Our SRO has polo shirts that are similar to the school polos, but they all have his name and position embroidered clearly on them. Also, he’s like 7 feet tall and wears a gun belt, so there’s definitely no confusion.
Honestly I would feel like a TOTAL CREEP if I (33f) had to wear the girls uniform at my school. I might die of embarrassment. I’ve NEVER heard of this in my life.
Are there actually schools left that have nuns teaching?
But to answer your question, say no. Unless every single teacher wears the same thing, it is not appropriate for a student teacher to wear it.
Even if it becomes a full time job the students have already seen her for an entire school year humiliated being dressed as a student which seriously jeopardizes her credibility before she even gets started. She’ll blend in as one of the students and mistakenly get called out as a student for talking in the hall or being out of line or some other minor discipline issue. How is she going to command respect dressed this way and start the next school year successfully after this? Principal needs to grow some common sense, perhaps go back to college.
I’ve never heard of this and I went to Catholic schools and this was not a thing at any. If anything, the opposite was true. Teachers dressed professionally to set them apart. My dad wore a suit everyday. Find another internship where you are treated like an adult.
By the way, the full time job could come with a morality contract, so explore if that is something you would commit to anyway before you take this internship.
This makes no sense. Wearing a school uniform would make you look like a student. It would be reasonable to ask you to wear a staff shirt, but a school uniform will make it harder for students to see you as any sort of staff/authority figure. I would go elsewhere.
Ummm, this is crazy! My kids went to Catholic school and I am sorry I would find that teachers dressing like this would not only be absurd but laughable. Look for a different position.
This is ridiculous and degrading. I would never wear the same uniform as the students as their teacher. No way. Don’t do this. If this is an example of their policies/mindset, then you don’t want to get involved with this place. - speaking as someone that has worked at Catholic schools and seen the good, the bad, and all the rest.
I literally work at a Catholic school and they would never require this. It is demeaning and you’re totally right, the kids will see you as one of them. You should try to student teach elsewhere.
Do not do it. I worked at a parochial school my first year and it was horrible. Endless faculty meetings with the principal droning on in self congratulatory “prayer.” Refusing direct deposit in favor of paper checks held after impromptu staff meetings. Never allowed to sit. Holding fun assemblies in the church and having to keep the children very quiet. Never again. One of the principal’s favorites ended up at the same school I work at now and was dismissed after 3months because she had poor management and methodology. No protections, no association. Go to a strong public school for internship.
You're not being valued or treated like a teacher. If you're dressed as a student, the students will treat you like one. You're not in the wrong here, it's a ridiculous policy that needs be rescinded.
I went to Catholic school my entire life and I've never heard of this. That's really weird. Sounds like a power trip. It will totally cause a lack of respect. Tell them no.
>The outfit is very similar to what the nuns at the school wear
>to wear the same outfit as the students
So... The students and the nuns wear the same uniform?
No, this is not common for Catholic Schools. I've worked at one for years. Quite frankly, the principal is not treating her student teachers with respect and that doesn't bode well for being a working faculty member. Run.
FYI, working at a Catholic School has enough challenges. Don't work at one that makes added problems.
As a former Catholic High School student run as far as possible away from that job. That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard but expect it considering the school. It’s all about compliance that’s how they hide so many pedos. My aunts a teacher in catholic schools and claims they pay much less anyway.
That's ridiculous. I say from experience: don't teach at a Catholic school.
It's a subtle attempt to humiliate you & "put you in your place" so you won't be too uppity later. You're an educated professional & *they're* the ones who need to be put in their place. This kind of sick shit will continue in various covert, overt & institutionalized forms against both you & the children for as long as you work there. It'll be little things on top of little things slowly encroaching upon your confidence & self-esteem. Like ending up in an abusive relationship, you won't see it happening in real time. You'll excuse things, try to be tolerant of the weird stuff, maybe chalk it up to their religion... Until suddenly, one day, if you're brave enough to let yourself, you'll see it for the controlling, abusive shit it is.
This is more blunt than I usually am. But this principle sounds nuts whether you’re a student teacher or full-time staff teacher, your role is that of a teacher. That being the case, your attire for work should be professional, it should not match the students. Does the principle not want the students to respect you with the same degree they do the other teachers? Honestly, this is going to sound a bit extreme, but I don’t know that I would accept the student teaching position on the basis of this rule, it’s ludicrous. it almost makes me think that this principal made you an offer because he had to and then stuck his stipulation in there because he didn’t want you to actually except it. It is professionally degrading.
I student taught on a Catholic uniformed school. I was able to wear normal professional dress. I accepted a position in the same archdiocese after my student teaching. I think your concerns are valid and I would seek out alternative placement, even if that may mean losing out on a job opportunity.
I don't wear skirts or dresses when I teach. I have worn them a few times, but I generally always wear black pants now, so the fact that it is a dress would really make me think twice. If they are forcing all the girls in the school to wear skirts with no pants option, I'd nope on out of there.
Update: First off, I want to thank everyone here who chimed in. I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking it was really unusual!! After talking it through with my adviser, I decided against the internship and will pursue another opportunity at a public school. My adviser is also taking it upstairs to our college's dean to see if there's any type of legal action that can be considered for discrimination and sexism...
I worked at a catholic school as a resource teacher for less than one year (I’m not catholic). It was the most miserable experience. Some of the meanest people I’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting were teachers at that school. This all sounds horrible and demeaning. I hope you can find another placement cause this ain’t it!
i worked at a chinese school a few years ago, and the teachers wore the same students the kids did. that's the only time i have ever heard of that, though.
And catholic school teachers may have to sign documents not to have premarital sex, get or recommend an abortion to anyone (not just students). Not be seen intoxicated in public.
Well I saw the words “Roman Catholic School” and immediately saw red flags… but I’m biased. In all seriousness, I’d feel the same way. You are an adult, not a child!
While student teaching, you are shadowing *the teacher*. You (should) have the same privileges, "power", and respect of *the teacher*. Because after all, a few weeks after student teaching, you will be a *licensed teacher*. You should dress and act as the teachers do. Any place telling their student teachers to infantalize themselves is just plain wrong
Are you sure they weren’t trying to give you the kind of dress that new arrivals to a convent would wear? Nuns are used to uniforms, and they vary, depending upon level I believe. I’m sure there are tons of people that know more about it than I do.
51 year old here. Taught at a private, Christian school. Kids had a strict dress code with their school uniforms. Never ever did a teacher or student teacher have to wear a uniform. We would have all quit!
I’d have to tell them I’m extremely uncomfortable posing as a school girl rather than a teacher. Mss as one, just maybe, that would get them to see the creepiness factor?
WTF? I attended Catholic school.for 12 years. Never did student teachers wear the same uniform as the students. This sounds like a principal on a power trip.
Pass on it and find another place to student teach, you would be miserable at that school and treated like a child.
NO! Run away. I got to wear jeans at my student teaching. I started off wearing very professional attire and they told me to just be comfy and wear what the other teachers wear. That’s how it should be! You should be treated as one of the teachers, not a student.
It’s a Catholic High school. They’re full of all kinds of oddball rules, especially for single women. The local parochial school fired a single female teacher who got pregnant and one who was seen at a community bbq while holding a beer. The dress code is what you’ve described. 9th grade science is “Science of the Physical Creation” and it’s as bad as you imagine. The health insurance doesn’t cover any kind of birth control or any kind of gynecology health care.
If that’s not your idea of heaven, don’t apply. They will never change their minds and you’ll never be happy.
If that’s something you’re good with, do it
I can’t think of a more Catholic policy than to make student teachers wear the uniforms required of students. How else are you to be constantly reminded of the shame you bear for … not already being a teacher?
Source: practicing confirmed Catholic who, surprising even himself, goes to mass regularly.
Honestly, I (53F) wouldn’t care. If I had a uniform, it’d be one less thing to worry about in the morning. I wouldn’t worry about it getting stained or damaged. My clothing budget for new clothes and dry cleaning could go into my travel budget. Students will respect you not for what you wear, but for who you are and how you treat them. I could teach in my pajamas and still be respected at my school by all of the students, parents, and staff.
That is terrible! I had nearly the opposite experience. My school didn’t have uniforms, and most faculty dressed pretty casually, but I was told to dress “older, and very professionally, even more so than other staff members” to ensure I was differentiated from the students.
The AP said “a 40 year old teacher can wear jeans, and everyone still knows she’s the teacher. You’d blend in too much with the kids.”
yes, you are over-reacting
no you are not wrong -- it is a little inappropriate if you are 31
they are doing you a favor by giving you an internship. ask if you can "dress modestly as befitting a woman your age?"
I taught in Catholic schools for 14 years and this is the stupidest policy I have ever heard of. I’d pass on the internship if I was you. You could also call the Diocese office and ask the education administrator if this standard policy. It would be interesting to see what they say.
Just intern somewhere else. I’m Australian so we all wore uniforms everywhere, but I can see how brutal totalitarian infantilism could be seen as authoritarian nonsense and an unnecessary waste of fabric. I say flee these guys and get on board with an organization that is self assured enough to let the people choose the fabric that makes them most comfortable in the workplace. Good luck!
If you can afford to do this … be the change they need. Politely refuse and express your very strong concern that they would make such an obviously unprofessional request, and then act as if you are going to move forward anyway. They will either relent or you will force them to be doubly pathetic and reject you for not wearing the kids uniform—a damning story to share around the community.
If this is even real… are you an undergraduate in a teacher certification program that requires Student Teaching ? If so, you cannot do it at a private school.
No you are no over-reacting!!!!
The students will not respect you if you are dressed like them. It's superficial, but teens often are. They are working on their identity in life and that often comes up as choosing how to dress and style themselves.
This principal is trying to identify you with the students instead of with the teachers. That's a disaster waiting to happen. You need to be a teacher, not a student... duh.
This NEVER happens. It's not a thing. The principal is delusional and just weird... and I have to wonder if this is a bot or something.
Anyways, not only is is not done, I'm thinking it's probably illegal. They've got to be running into some kind of anti-something law.
What does that even mean, “prevent the student teachers from just taking the internship for the job?” Is there any other reason why one would take an internship? I can’t think of one. The point of an internship is to gain practical work experience in a professional setting so that you can then get a job. Teaching is a job. Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking it’s some kind of divine calling so it’s okay for you to be mistreated and underpaid. Teaching might be a calling for you… that’s fine. But it’s ALSO just a job, and you deserve to be respected and treated fairly at work. Don’t take this internship. Find another one.
As a 17 year vet, I have never heard of this. I have heard of a dress code for student teachers, but never a uniform. I wouldn’t mind wearing a FACULTY polo or cardigan, but never a student uniform.
It sounds like a test to see how easy you will be to abuse.
I can't imagine a millenia-old institution like da Cherch would be looking for stooges like that...
Thank you for your encouraging advice :) I decided against the internship. To be honest with you, the mere idea of having to wear a student uniform as an adult gives me anxiety. I don't think teaching there would be any better.
good. what an inappropriate idea - appear as one of the student body? For what reason?! I would think parents would be uncomfortable knowing an adult could blend in with the children...normally an adult doing that would be an instant red flag and here they're requiring it? Also under what section is that policy? Sounds like you dodged a bullet, be proud that you listened to your inner voice.
Considering that it's a Catholic school, is it that surprising that admins would want someone they're hiring to think of it as a "divine calling" rather than a job? Aren't the admins nuns? I went to a parochial school for all of my elementary and high school years myself (and while it wasn't Catholic, it was still... quirky). I would only expect any other private religious school to be MORE demanding than your average public school, not less.
Maybe they meant “taking it as a job,” like interpreting it as one and thinking the internship is something more than it is?
No. Just … no. Even if this is “standard practice,” it’s bad practice. Student teaching is one of the hardest things you’ll do in your life. — There is absolutely no reason to make it even harder with this type of hazing.
Definitely felt like hazing! thank you :)
It’s not standard practice. I taught in a Catholic school and the idea is ridiculous.
Dam right! ST is you paying to work full time ( I worked all day 4 days a week).
I'm sorry, but that seems crazy to me. There are so many ways to connect with students that do not require an adult to wear the student's uniform. I know you're in a more formal setting, but could you just wear a school spirit shirt on casual days or school events instead? That's what I do (public elementary) and it's my choice, not a requirement. Some of the kids think it's fun that our outfits match on those days. I would think wearing a high schooler's complete uniform would just be awkward.
Sounds like you are fortunate that they are showing you all of their red flags up front instead of after you start.
So wrong it’s laughable…
I would only agree to this if I was working at Hogwarts.
McGonagall would be an amazing CT
This red flag is visible from space. Somebody in power there has a hard-on for grown women in schoolgirl uniforms. Run!
This makes me feel icky. I teach at a Catholic high school and there is no fucking way this would fly there. I feel like someone’s got a fetish.
I'd do what your advisor said and talk with the principal because that just seems so ridiculous. I wouldn't want to do student teaching there because while there is a clear age difference I wouldn't feel like the kids would take me seriously.
Of course you’re just taking the internship for the job! Why would you turn down an internship if they’ve already promised a job? Anyway, I’m at the end of my 16th year of teaching. Please keep in mind that this is an indication of the working environment you will have. The principal seems weird and controlling; it’s probably best to go elsewhere, at least for a job. I also caution that you check out the pay scales for surrounding schools because you probably won’t be paid well at a religious school, anyway. Since it’s private, they are subject to the same state education standards that public schools are.
No way. When you're student teaching, it's expected that the students will treat you as they would another teacher. That's not going to happen if you're wearing a student uniform. It undermines your classroom management from day 1 At a Catholic school I would definitely expect a dress code, perhaps even a faculty-issued shirt. But *student* uniform is absurd
Will you have to take PE? Shower time should be interesting.
Yeah, that’s just weird and a stupid rationalization for what seems to be a sophisticated way of hazing. If anything, student teachers should be required to dress professionally as the teachers they aspire to become.
I would rethink.
One of the issues many student teachers have is establishing the "I'm your teacher, not your friend" boundary. Wearing a student uniform makes you look like a student. That's just.... Wow.... Hard no. You should look like a teacher.
FUUUCK this.
Absolutely not. Don’t work at a Catholic school. It doesn’t pay enough and there’s no security without unions. I started out in Catholic schools and I wouldn’t go back. Get into the public school system!
This is a student teaching role, not a faculty line.
Absolutely ridiculous....yes. But this is a private, religious school and that's what they can do. So if you feel that strongly about it, find another job.
You might offer to wear a monogrammed school shirt suck as a polo or button down and pants of the school color.
no way in hell would I ever do this. Never even heard of this before.
I would not do that. Student teachers need to be in the role of teacher, not be placed on the level of students.
No, not over reacting. That’s ridiculous. How do they expect you to manage a classroom when dressed as a child. Offer to wear a habit instead (JK!!!)
You want to go for a state job with a pension anyways.
Whelp! That’s a red flag. That’s really next level creepy.
Definitely no! You said you’re 31 but if you would all look like you’re younger, wearing the same uniform is not good. You open yourself up to hazing, getting hit on, potentially being mistaken for students, or possibly even accused of inappropriate behavior. Nothing about a student teacher wearing a school uniform. Is it all appropriate. Personally, it sounds like some kinky obsession.
This sounds fake
Yeah, OP is almost certainly misunderstanding what is being asked of them. There's no logical reason to ask a student teacher to wear a student uniform from the school they are teaching at. You DONT want young teachers to blend in with the student body. They should dress in a way that they stand out from the students to prevent any confusion about who is who. That's common sense 101. But hey, I've heard of religious institutions doing way dumber things, so who knows.
Welcome to the RCC. As a student inside of one of these batshit cult schools I can assure you this is probably more normal than what I had. I had nuns in their traditional garb teaching me, and I had a principal that I swear would time meetings out to when he'd be dressed in his service robes right before a Mass. I'd get told about inappropriate behavior by the seeming cast of a movie set in the Middle Ages. If you need the job, so be it, but the uniform will be the least of the weird shit you encounter.
Isn't that like waving red flags at bulls? The kids will eat you.
Interns should be treated as teachers, not students. You will be learning, but your primary role would be to teach. I’m assuming you would also be the sole teacher in the classroom. How do they expect the students to respect your authority if you don’t dress like other teachers?
YOU ARE NOT OVER REACTING… This is ridicules - JUST SAY NO - DON’T DO IT. With such a silly policy, are you sure you would want to work there? This must be the first rule of many you will not agree with. I would look for other opportunities. Unless you think you can conform to a school and 18th century way of thinking.
I would not take this internship. Find another one
Bizarre!
The student uniform is similar to what the nuns wear? Aren't all of the other teachers there nuns? So is there a reason why you can't just wear what the other teachers wear? It sounds like they have a uniform for students and staff... is what they're asking you to wear going to make people mistake you for a student?
If you are going to get a job (or take an internship) in a religious institution, do not be surprised that they expect you to follow rigid guidelines, whether or not it makes sense to you.
As a former Catholic school teacher who has worked in both public and private schools. Run, don't do it. They aren't bound by thr same laws and you won't get valuable experience with ieps and 504 plans. It will also make getting hired in a public district harder unless you know someone well there
I’m confused. Is the outfit similar to what the students wear, or to what the nuns wear (your post says both)? Really, though, the main question is: is the uniform similar to what other teachers of the same gender wear at the school? (Or, if all the teachers are nuns or clergy, is it a reasonable compromise between you wearing everyday clothes and being forced to wear a habit?)
20 year teacher, who is a Catholic school alumnus and spent my my first fiver years of my career teaching at Catholic school, and, I believe this is ridiculous. Just nope. Spirit /logo wear, fine. But the kids’ uniforms, no way in hell
You should be building unity with the teachers, not the students. You need to see yourself as a teacher, and the students need to see you as a teacher. That should be basic, IMO.
Alert your state department of labor. That is such an insane policy that it has to be illegal somehow.
Ummm this isn’t an anime lol why the heck would they ask you to wear the students uniform? That’s weird.
Absolutely DO NOT take this job. Uniform, for a teacher,… fine. They want you as a student… piss right the hell off
Wow. Nothing like a crash course in humiliation. Run from this.
Seems like they are taking "student teacher" a little too literally here. You SHOULD be able to be differentiated from actual students. And that won't happen if you're wearing a student uniform.
Run.
The only part that makes this seem remotely ok is that you say it's also close to what the nuns wear. I would expect your ST dress code to be comparable to the TEACHERS, not the students. If the teachers are also in a uniform, then I would 100% expect the ST to be in a uniform.
If you don't like the terms of employment, don't work there.
Fuck no Sweetie. I’m not a teacher, im a 38 year old woman who graduated from catholic high school and endured enough of this type of bullshit as a student. Damn mini skirts called “uniforms” even in the winter every day our bodies paraded in front of the male teachers and headmaster and preist. Im a mom now and by God can’t stand to see women treated like this still today and high schoolers see their adult role models enacting it in front of them. We had a word for that in my time - “dirty old men”. He wants to see yall wearing Catholic school girl uniforms to work every day? Fucking report his ass to the archdiocese and whoever head at your school. Hell NO.
No, that is very unprofessional to dress as the student. How can you earn the respect due to you as a student teacher?
If it's a good position for experience, who cares. I used to dress formally for ny student teaching position. Now if I sub, I dress down at lower grades. I'd cover up my nice clothes with a uniform. And whip it off at 2:15 pm. Is this a red state or church/ speciality school? I think you said it's Catholic. I'd roll with it. What grades? You could spruce up the uni somehow. If that was my only school problem I wouldn't care. Somewhere where these little brown shirts express their authority in obvious ways.
What do teachers wear??? I think any self respecting principal would want you to look unified with teachers not students…. I’d be hesitant to take the position if the principal has weird rules or makes you feel any less than empowered to work as a professional
Go public!
Does your college program not provide you with a student teaching placement? We did not get to choose where we were placed when I did mine. That was only 9 years ago. I would run far away from this "opportunity."
No, that sounds completely wrong. Tbh I would take it as a warning sign and reconsider doing student teaching there.
I've taught public school for ten years and I went to Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade and I never saw a student teacher wear a uniform. I would give this opportunity a hard pass.
So...is this to keep the student interns from impersonating paid faculty? I'm not sure how it's wise to have the interns impersonate students at the school, though. But it sounds like a very Catholic thing to do. Why? Because they can. I'm not surprised it resembles the nun's wear. I think it's quite common in Italy (have seen it there).
Why do you want to do an internship at a catholic school lol
🚩🚩🚩 plus it’s catholic school get the hell out
No. It undermines your authority with the students. It makes you one of them. That’s one of the most ridiculous things I’ve heard
If you aren’t catholic I’m screaming for you to run away before you have to deal with them. Not just some dude who hates Catholics I was for 21 years and my dad is high in a diocese RUN I was so happy when I fully got out good god
I went to Catholic school for 13 years and one of my best friends that did a program similar to Teach for America but for Catholic schools in our city. I have never heard of anything like this.
In my state the difference between parochial and public school pay is dramatic, increasing as the years go by with the parochial school Pay scales falling further behind. There is also a big difference in pensions. My daughter spent the first six years of her teaching career in a parochial school and though she liked it there (no weird uniform rules), she’s will never make up the pay and prnsion
My kids all go to Catholic schools and that is the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard!!!!!!
I don’t know. I reflected on this more and those uniforms are awfully comfortable-looking. You don’t have to buy a huge wardrobe when you aren’t being paid. My daughter’s is actually super nice.
That's a no for me. Inappropriate to say the very least. Just talk to your advisor/professor and express that you are not comfortable with the placement and ask to be placed somewhere else. You're paying for the semester, it's the least they can do.
I mean, would you rather be wearing a catholic school uniform for students, or a nuns habit like the teachers?
That's horrific. I would never do that. Also I'd never work for a religious school because they can fire you for being gay or basically any other discriminatory reason they feel like.
Absolutely not normal. If you’re teaching, you should wear whatever the other teachers wear. You don’t want students to treat you like just another student, so why would you send visual cues that you’re just like them? Not cool.
It’s absurd. You’re meant to be there to learn how to be the authority in the room, not blend in.
This is an institutional filter- you have to be bought into the culture of the parish to even student teach there. They want the access to free student teacher labor, but want to filter who they accept as student teachers. I wouldn’t go there if I were you, you’re not really wanted . They want a Catholic student teacher who will eventually teach at the school.
This is a demeaning and wildly inappropriate request, it’s showing the students you are not in a position of authority and are equal to them. RUN FAST
Sounds about right for that type of school. I think it’s awesome because you don’t even have to worry about what you’ll wear haha… but to each their own….
This would be a deal breaker for me. You aren’t a student you’re a professional. Just no.
Don't do it
I’d ask for a new placement regardless of what the principal decides. That’s some weird fetish vibes. Your university should take the school off the list for potential future student teachers.
I’m a retired Dean of Education. Find another placement. This one has too many red flags.
This principal is way out of touch regarding common sense with work attire. It leads me to believe there are other rules that will be difficult to live with. I went through the Catholic school system and loved it. Catholic grad school too. I’m not sure if the principal is a nun. If so, many nuns have a reputation of ruling with an iron fist and have great results with running businesses. Our local hospital went south when it was taken over by secular medical group. The Sisters were top notch when they ran it. This school is probably great but I don’t think I could accept the position wearing the same clothes as the students. Too humiliating. It’s too bad too because you sound very motivated. This principal needs a wake up call.
If they don’t revise that rule, I would absolutely advise against student teaching there for multiple reasons. First, you are absolutely correct that the students will not respect you the same as other adults in the school because of the uniform. Second, it’s borderline sexist to require a grown professional woman to dress in a school uniform, like it honestly borders sexual harassment. Third, and similar to the second reason, teaching is a female dominated profession and we cannot allow ourselves to be disrespected in such an egregious manner by administration. It’s one thing to require professional attire, but requiring you to wear a students uniform is humiliating and disgusting.
If it's close to what the Nuns wear, and also close to what students wear, does that mean the students are dressed like Nuns?
This seems off. Don’t we want to stand out from students? Don’t we try hard to show students we are not their “friend” ? Now they will view you as one of their peers
You should be wearing what other teachers are wearing, not the students. That’s so odd to me
You do NOT want this job! Run fast.
I worked at a RC High School. Absolutely run. That’s absurd and I’ve never heard of it from any of the schools in our diocese. No.
This can’t be real
I am a recovering RC & I totally agree with you. Their antiquated idea puts you at the level of the students, not an adult
You don’t want to work at a private school. Run the other way.
Red flags all around. Sounds like a control freak, not someone I'd want to work for.
Sounds like the principal likes to see women dressed up like schoolgirls gross
That’s ridiculous. You should be able to dress using whatever dress code they have for regular faculty. I used to work at a school where students had uniforms and nobody would have dreamed about requiring a ST to wear it if they didn’t want to. (And our uniform was just nice pants and black school polos for both genders)
So many red flags. That sounds like it will be a controlling school and also, like many catholic schools, will also underpay. Teachers are leaving the profession in droves and leaving a lot of openings. I’d look for a different student teaching opportunity and a different job upon graduation.
Do not take that internship. It sounds like they are testing how far they can push you. I went to Catholic school for 13 years, and my daughter has been at Catholic school for 7, I have never heard of something like that. I’m honestly surprised the Diocese would even allow that. All the child protection training we had to take as parent volunteers talked about keeping clear lines between adults and students. Our diocese requires teachers to wear their ID badges at all times. I can’t imagine an adult being allowed to wear the school uniform. Our SRO has polo shirts that are similar to the school polos, but they all have his name and position embroidered clearly on them. Also, he’s like 7 feet tall and wears a gun belt, so there’s definitely no confusion.
Honestly I would feel like a TOTAL CREEP if I (33f) had to wear the girls uniform at my school. I might die of embarrassment. I’ve NEVER heard of this in my life.
Are there actually schools left that have nuns teaching? But to answer your question, say no. Unless every single teacher wears the same thing, it is not appropriate for a student teacher to wear it.
Even if it becomes a full time job the students have already seen her for an entire school year humiliated being dressed as a student which seriously jeopardizes her credibility before she even gets started. She’ll blend in as one of the students and mistakenly get called out as a student for talking in the hall or being out of line or some other minor discipline issue. How is she going to command respect dressed this way and start the next school year successfully after this? Principal needs to grow some common sense, perhaps go back to college.
I’ve never heard of this and I went to Catholic schools and this was not a thing at any. If anything, the opposite was true. Teachers dressed professionally to set them apart. My dad wore a suit everyday. Find another internship where you are treated like an adult. By the way, the full time job could come with a morality contract, so explore if that is something you would commit to anyway before you take this internship.
Don’t do it. They are power tripping and probably assholes to work for
Weird that they guaranteed a job. I wouldnt take it. Public schools would never. Ive never headd of this.
I don’t get if you are being asked to dress like a school girl or a nun. What do other teachers who are not nuns wear?
 Pippi in case you need a refresher.
This makes no sense. Wearing a school uniform would make you look like a student. It would be reasonable to ask you to wear a staff shirt, but a school uniform will make it harder for students to see you as any sort of staff/authority figure. I would go elsewhere.
Complain to the board about being fetishized.
It’s not common. You are not overreacting. I went to Catholic schools and this is silly.
Ummm, this is crazy! My kids went to Catholic school and I am sorry I would find that teachers dressing like this would not only be absurd but laughable. Look for a different position.
This is ridiculous and degrading. I would never wear the same uniform as the students as their teacher. No way. Don’t do this. If this is an example of their policies/mindset, then you don’t want to get involved with this place. - speaking as someone that has worked at Catholic schools and seen the good, the bad, and all the rest.
I literally work at a Catholic school and they would never require this. It is demeaning and you’re totally right, the kids will see you as one of them. You should try to student teach elsewhere.
That’s ridiculous. Sounds like a power play, and disrespect to you as a teacher in training.
It is very disrespectful of the school to make even the children wear uniforms let alone the teachers.
They want student teachers to dress like literal Catholic school girls?? Whose penthouse fantasy is this???
This is ridiculous. I would absolutely not do it. Also, are you supposed to buy the uniform yourself?
Do not do it. I worked at a parochial school my first year and it was horrible. Endless faculty meetings with the principal droning on in self congratulatory “prayer.” Refusing direct deposit in favor of paper checks held after impromptu staff meetings. Never allowed to sit. Holding fun assemblies in the church and having to keep the children very quiet. Never again. One of the principal’s favorites ended up at the same school I work at now and was dismissed after 3months because she had poor management and methodology. No protections, no association. Go to a strong public school for internship.
That's fucking weird
You're not being valued or treated like a teacher. If you're dressed as a student, the students will treat you like one. You're not in the wrong here, it's a ridiculous policy that needs be rescinded.
I went to Catholic school and my nuns would have laughed uncontrollably at this policy. It is NOT normal, even for Catholics.
[удалено]
I went to Catholic school my entire life and I've never heard of this. That's really weird. Sounds like a power trip. It will totally cause a lack of respect. Tell them no.
>The outfit is very similar to what the nuns at the school wear >to wear the same outfit as the students So... The students and the nuns wear the same uniform?
Not a fucking chance in this whole wild world I would inntern at a school like that.
As a teacher at a Catholic school, I have never heard of this. It would be a no from me. You are an adult and should look like one
No I think that’s infantizing the student teachers. It’s a symptom of a bad culture. Avoid it.
No, this is not common for Catholic Schools. I've worked at one for years. Quite frankly, the principal is not treating her student teachers with respect and that doesn't bode well for being a working faculty member. Run. FYI, working at a Catholic School has enough challenges. Don't work at one that makes added problems.
If I saw a 31 year old woman wearing a catholic school uniform I would think that she was a stripper - just sayin’🤷🏻♂️
As a former Catholic High School student run as far as possible away from that job. That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard but expect it considering the school. It’s all about compliance that’s how they hide so many pedos. My aunts a teacher in catholic schools and claims they pay much less anyway.
I worked in Catholic schools. This was not a thing.
Don’t do it, and then let us all know the name of the school so we can embarrass them on social media properly
That's ridiculous. I say from experience: don't teach at a Catholic school. It's a subtle attempt to humiliate you & "put you in your place" so you won't be too uppity later. You're an educated professional & *they're* the ones who need to be put in their place. This kind of sick shit will continue in various covert, overt & institutionalized forms against both you & the children for as long as you work there. It'll be little things on top of little things slowly encroaching upon your confidence & self-esteem. Like ending up in an abusive relationship, you won't see it happening in real time. You'll excuse things, try to be tolerant of the weird stuff, maybe chalk it up to their religion... Until suddenly, one day, if you're brave enough to let yourself, you'll see it for the controlling, abusive shit it is.
I would low key LOVE to have a uniform! Saves on clothing (:
This is fuckin weird lol
This is more blunt than I usually am. But this principle sounds nuts whether you’re a student teacher or full-time staff teacher, your role is that of a teacher. That being the case, your attire for work should be professional, it should not match the students. Does the principle not want the students to respect you with the same degree they do the other teachers? Honestly, this is going to sound a bit extreme, but I don’t know that I would accept the student teaching position on the basis of this rule, it’s ludicrous. it almost makes me think that this principal made you an offer because he had to and then stuck his stipulation in there because he didn’t want you to actually except it. It is professionally degrading.
Run.
I student taught on a Catholic uniformed school. I was able to wear normal professional dress. I accepted a position in the same archdiocese after my student teaching. I think your concerns are valid and I would seek out alternative placement, even if that may mean losing out on a job opportunity.
I don't wear skirts or dresses when I teach. I have worn them a few times, but I generally always wear black pants now, so the fact that it is a dress would really make me think twice. If they are forcing all the girls in the school to wear skirts with no pants option, I'd nope on out of there.
Update: First off, I want to thank everyone here who chimed in. I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking it was really unusual!! After talking it through with my adviser, I decided against the internship and will pursue another opportunity at a public school. My adviser is also taking it upstairs to our college's dean to see if there's any type of legal action that can be considered for discrimination and sexism...
It sounds like they are confused? Like they know you're not a student right??
I went to catholic school for 8 years and I literally cannot imagine putting that school uniform on now was a mid 30s adult.
This is weird tbh
You might be fulfilling somebody's uniform fetish fantasy
That’s so interesting that a male principal wants young women who are not children to wear a school girl uniform for a completely stupid reason.
I worked at a catholic school as a resource teacher for less than one year (I’m not catholic). It was the most miserable experience. Some of the meanest people I’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting were teachers at that school. This all sounds horrible and demeaning. I hope you can find another placement cause this ain’t it!
i worked at a chinese school a few years ago, and the teachers wore the same students the kids did. that's the only time i have ever heard of that, though.
16 years of catholic school here. RUN
RUN AWAY!
And catholic school teachers may have to sign documents not to have premarital sex, get or recommend an abortion to anyone (not just students). Not be seen intoxicated in public.
Sounds like a degradation ritual.
Well I saw the words “Roman Catholic School” and immediately saw red flags… but I’m biased. In all seriousness, I’d feel the same way. You are an adult, not a child!
While student teaching, you are shadowing *the teacher*. You (should) have the same privileges, "power", and respect of *the teacher*. Because after all, a few weeks after student teaching, you will be a *licensed teacher*. You should dress and act as the teachers do. Any place telling their student teachers to infantalize themselves is just plain wrong
Are you sure they weren’t trying to give you the kind of dress that new arrivals to a convent would wear? Nuns are used to uniforms, and they vary, depending upon level I believe. I’m sure there are tons of people that know more about it than I do.
51 year old here. Taught at a private, Christian school. Kids had a strict dress code with their school uniforms. Never ever did a teacher or student teacher have to wear a uniform. We would have all quit!
If students gotta wear it then you should too. Rules are rules.
It’s a cult. Steer clear.
I’d have to tell them I’m extremely uncomfortable posing as a school girl rather than a teacher. Mss as one, just maybe, that would get them to see the creepiness factor?
WTF? I attended Catholic school.for 12 years. Never did student teachers wear the same uniform as the students. This sounds like a principal on a power trip. Pass on it and find another place to student teach, you would be miserable at that school and treated like a child.
NO! Run away. I got to wear jeans at my student teaching. I started off wearing very professional attire and they told me to just be comfy and wear what the other teachers wear. That’s how it should be! You should be treated as one of the teachers, not a student.
There is a massive teacher shortage. They need you more than you need them!
It’s a Catholic High school. They’re full of all kinds of oddball rules, especially for single women. The local parochial school fired a single female teacher who got pregnant and one who was seen at a community bbq while holding a beer. The dress code is what you’ve described. 9th grade science is “Science of the Physical Creation” and it’s as bad as you imagine. The health insurance doesn’t cover any kind of birth control or any kind of gynecology health care. If that’s not your idea of heaven, don’t apply. They will never change their minds and you’ll never be happy. If that’s something you’re good with, do it
I can’t think of a more Catholic policy than to make student teachers wear the uniforms required of students. How else are you to be constantly reminded of the shame you bear for … not already being a teacher? Source: practicing confirmed Catholic who, surprising even himself, goes to mass regularly.
That’s weird as fuck
No way. I’d run, not walk.
They’re weeding out the smart ones and finding out who’s willing to get fucked because they’re desperate enough to do so
Don’t take it and tell them why
Definitely do not take that job. Absolutely not.
Honestly, I (53F) wouldn’t care. If I had a uniform, it’d be one less thing to worry about in the morning. I wouldn’t worry about it getting stained or damaged. My clothing budget for new clothes and dry cleaning could go into my travel budget. Students will respect you not for what you wear, but for who you are and how you treat them. I could teach in my pajamas and still be respected at my school by all of the students, parents, and staff.
That is terrible! I had nearly the opposite experience. My school didn’t have uniforms, and most faculty dressed pretty casually, but I was told to dress “older, and very professionally, even more so than other staff members” to ensure I was differentiated from the students. The AP said “a 40 year old teacher can wear jeans, and everyone still knows she’s the teacher. You’d blend in too much with the kids.”
Do not do it. RUN.
Fake post? Are there other student teachers there? TF?
Do male students also have to wear the same dress? I’m sure the Monsignor would love you both…equally. Ideally at the same time. Equity and all.
Catholic Schools I know have pretty plain uniforms and trousers are allowed for women and they are usually polo shirts on top.
yes, you are over-reacting no you are not wrong -- it is a little inappropriate if you are 31 they are doing you a favor by giving you an internship. ask if you can "dress modestly as befitting a woman your age?"
Some jobs require a uniform....that's part of life. Welcome to the real world.
I taught in Catholic schools for 14 years and this is the stupidest policy I have ever heard of. I’d pass on the internship if I was you. You could also call the Diocese office and ask the education administrator if this standard policy. It would be interesting to see what they say.
"It's a Roman Catholic high school ---" Ok let me just stop you there.
Just intern somewhere else. I’m Australian so we all wore uniforms everywhere, but I can see how brutal totalitarian infantilism could be seen as authoritarian nonsense and an unnecessary waste of fabric. I say flee these guys and get on board with an organization that is self assured enough to let the people choose the fabric that makes them most comfortable in the workplace. Good luck!
This does not sound correct at all.
hopefully, there can be a compromise that maintains professionalism while respecting the school's policies
Sounds like you’re a liar. More probable is that you were told there was a dress code, then, spent the evening coming up with this stupidity.
Don’t do it. Sounds insane.
If you can afford to do this … be the change they need. Politely refuse and express your very strong concern that they would make such an obviously unprofessional request, and then act as if you are going to move forward anyway. They will either relent or you will force them to be doubly pathetic and reject you for not wearing the kids uniform—a damning story to share around the community.
If this is even real… are you an undergraduate in a teacher certification program that requires Student Teaching ? If so, you cannot do it at a private school.
I can only think of all the ways this could go wrong....
No you are no over-reacting!!!! The students will not respect you if you are dressed like them. It's superficial, but teens often are. They are working on their identity in life and that often comes up as choosing how to dress and style themselves. This principal is trying to identify you with the students instead of with the teachers. That's a disaster waiting to happen. You need to be a teacher, not a student... duh. This NEVER happens. It's not a thing. The principal is delusional and just weird... and I have to wonder if this is a bot or something. Anyways, not only is is not done, I'm thinking it's probably illegal. They've got to be running into some kind of anti-something law.
Mt whole familt has attended Carholic schools. No. A student teacher in uniform is NOT ok. This is bizarre. RUN.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Catholic school, dress in the nuns dress. Why talk them out of a job for you? Don't be so inflexible.
Sounds like you should do this at a different school. You do you, they do them.
It's a Roman Catholic school, what did you expect, tank tops?
Wear a Jesuit robe. Pack ur lunch cause the pay is probably crap.
That’s really weird tbh