If you’re interested in teacher fashion choices, look no further than our own halls. Our school has plenty of eye-catching and unique styles among staff. From suits to slacks, there’s a range to choose from.
English teacher Adam Sheppard can typically be found in Hawaiian shirts five days a week. It wasn’t always this casual, though. In his first few years as a teacher, Sheppard wore a full shirt and tie every day, to avoid being confused for a student. After a while, and some inspiration from an old teacher friend, he moved towards a comfortable, dad-like style.
“The more comfortable and the more a teacher is able to enjoy being in the classroom, the more they’ll be able to have their students enjoy being in the classroom,” Sheppard said.
If you don’t know Sheppard by name, you know him from his elaborate holiday suits. His bright patterned blazers, matching pants and, of course, a tie are easily recognizable in the hallways. Sheppard says the tradition started years ago, when he found one of those suits on a clearance rack and wore it to his annual holiday party. One of his friends loved the idea so much that he started buying those suits as well. It became a yearly tradition for the two to buy a new suit for every party. Eventually, Sheppard had so many that he started wearing them to school, first for just one day a year, but eventually for the whole week before winter break.
“That week is a terrible week of class … It’s something to do, something to keep spirits up and have fun with that week leading into break,” Sheppard said.
Not all teachers are this relaxed with their wardrobe, however. English teacher Troy Olsen goes all out everyday. With an affinity for bold patterns and neon colors, Olsen is easily recognizable as one of the best dressed people at our school.
“Whether we want to admit it or not, we judge people based on first impressions, and generally one of the first things we see about people is what they’re wearing,” Olsen said.
Olsen admits his number one weakness is his love for shoes, and estimates he has over 200 pairs. He’ll get his shoes anywhere, but makes sure they feel comfortable. Olsen believes that everyone should aim to dress better in the day-to-day, and that comfortability is no excuse.
“I think you can be comfortable and fashionable … You can look nice and feel good,” Olsen said.
The message he wants to send home is that everyone can improve their style, even him, and to never get stale or complacent in your self-expression. Clothing is supposed to be fun, so if you want to wear neon yellow, or leopard print or a full coordinating suit with holiday patterns, don’t be afraid to do so.
