Have you ever been mistaken for a student? While looking young might seem like a good dilemma to have, several teachers find this to be a professional problem. As teacher A.F. wrote on our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE:
âDoes anyone have tips on how to look older? Iâm petite and have a baby face. I feel like I look like a student and am not taken seriously.â
Our helpful teachers come to the rescue with ways to appear more grown-up in the classroomâon the inside and out.
Looking Older on the Outside
Make yourself look years older by incorporating these tips from fellow teachers.
âIf you have time in the morning, applying makeup might help you look and feel older. Try a burgundy lipstick. Something professional (and there is a fine line) but darker.ââAlexandrea A.
âWear jackets or longer sweaters over your top. A shoulder length or shorter haircut may also help.ââDonna D.
âThe number one thing is how you dress. I remember my first year going shopping with my mom for âgrown up clothesâ and I hated it. She made me get certain outfits, which I didnât particularly like, but when I wore them to work I felt more professional and that translated into my demeanor in my classroom.â âLaura B.
âI got a more mature-looking haircut (that is still fresh and I like), and I try to wear more staples than trendy pieces.â âKristine E.
âTry and dress professionally. It can be difficult finding clothes that fit petites. Try stores like The Loft, Ann Taylor, and Banana Republic. Accessories with outfits help, too.â âVictoria M.
âJewelry. Take the time to pick out jewelry every day. Grown up, tasteful jewelry. It makes a difference. Not in looking older. Just in looking professional.â âSharon C.
âWear dress shoes. When I was student teaching a kid told me he knew I was a teacher by my shoes.â âHope H.
Mature on the Inside
Sometimes itâs not so much whatâs on the outside that counts. These teachers weigh in on ways to feel older, from the inside.
âBe yourself. Your personality and command of the classroom will shine through on its own. Donât worry about how you look; however dressing as professionally as possible helps. Never let your insecurities stop you from being a strong educator. âJeanna R.
âCarry yourself as a mature adult. Speak with authority. Definitely dress your age. I am a 30 year old who looks 15. Iâm 4â9â but Iâve been told the way I carry myself shows my age. âElizabeth S.
âJust be you. Get the kids attention and respect by giving attention and respect.â âSharon C.
âI found dressing the way I thought I was supposed to during practicum made me feel stiff and inauthentic. Depends on the culture of the school, but I would rather be myself than sacrifice to look like a teacher. How you carry yourself and how you teach will be more important. You shouldnât feel bad for how you look. âEmily C.
If All Else Fails
ANDâŠif you still get asked for your hall pass, try these fast fixes.
âWear keys around your neck and a badge.â âEleanor W.
âGlasses help, even if you donât need them.â âLibby S.
âGrow a beard!ââGraeme W. & Sean S.
Looking for more support? Check out our Facebook page, exclusively for new teachers!
Join our Facebook group WeAreTeachersâFirst Years! to connect with other new teachers, and learn more about how you can navigate your classroom and life.