An EdUHK student-initiated project on teacher dress codes is sparking discussion on how fashion shapes perceptions of teacher professionalism. Curious about how appearance influences identity in education, Emma explored the connections between style, social norms, and professional image. Her interest first emerged during a General Education course taught by an EPL lecturer, where she gave a presentation on how people perceive “beauty.” Building on that experience, Emma began studying fashion trends in local shops to understand how modern clothing reflects ideas of professionalism. She then created a visual graph comparing her personal style with mainstream expectations, illustrating differing views on what teachers “should” wear. To broaden her perspective, Emma surveyed pre-service teachers and young people about teacher dress codes. Later, her project was featured in the local newspaper Ming Pao, inviting readers to reflect on the true meaning of teacher professionalism. Her work highlights how young educators can creatively navigate their professional identities within today’s social context. By blending art and social inquiry, Emma’s project not only reimagines the teacher’s wardrobe but also opens conversations about how identity, culture, and creativity intersect in modern education.
