Teachers Should Be Judged by Abilities, Not by Clothing

“Students Say Teachers Deserve an F in Fashion” (Aug. 28) is evidence of some very twisted values among our teenagers. I do think that teachers are professionals and that they should dress accordingly. However, to say that teachers should be held to the fashion standards of their spoiled, overprivileged charges is plainly ludicrous.

Students have no right to criticize the dress of their teachers. Nor do teachers have to “earn” the respect of their students by dressing fashionably. Teachers should be respected because of the job they do, period. These students are simply looking for ways to disregard the learning that they need. Giving them credence in a Times article legitimizes their ignorance.

These are rich kids looking down on underpaid, overworked teachers. Not only do these students-turned-fashion-critics lack credibility, but they should be taught a lesson in human decency.

JONATHAN COHEN

Irvine

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Many of the kids D. James Romero interviewed think that appearances are what really count in society. Thinking students (not the ones obsessed with their makeup) will judge their teachers by their knowledge, preparation, skill and demonstrated caring, not by their manner of dress.

To assume that the teacher’s fashion says they don’t care about their jobs is as inane as it would be to say that students who dress worthy of a Milan fashion show don’t care about their work. The truth is, some care and some don’t.

TED OVIATT

Agoura

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According to students, teachers make poor role models because they dress unfashionably. Actually, I am a better role model because I eschew designer labels and fashion trends.

I show students that there are alternatives to materialism and overconsumption, that money is better spent on worthwhile endeavors than on overpriced fashions and that it’s better to be a good and thoughtful person than to show off one’s fashion savvy.

Given the plethora of trendy “role models” on TV, I think students could use some alternatives in the classroom.

AMY LARA

Irvine