Dressed to Impress
Dear Teacher,
In 1973, Dale Irby was a newbie physical education teacher at Prestonwood Elementary School in Dallas, Texas. That year marked the accidental birth of a tradition that would continue until his retirement in 2013.
The tradition started when Dale wore a polyester shirt and sweater vest for his first yearbook photo. Posing proudly, his first headshot as an educator showed him proudly sporting the broad white collar and tan v-neck. When the following year's photo op came along, he accidentally wore the same outfit again. Initially embarrassed, his wife dared him to do it a third time, which led to a 40-year tradition.
The enduring gag made Irby a beloved figure at the school, known for the long-running joke. Over the years, Dale's fellow teachers and students looked forward to seeing what outfit he would be wearing. It was even rumored that some would check their calendars to see when the yearbook photos were scheduled so that they could dress accordingly. Eventually, as years passed, the outfit became slightly ill-fitting by the time he retired in 2013. Yet, Irby was so committed to the joke that, by the time disco went out of style, he would still bring the outfit to school and change into it only for the picture.
And you, Teacher, there in your classroom have traditions of your own. Maybe they're recent practices that you just put into place (I had "Flashlight Friday" in my classroom), or perhaps its your long-standing belief in Adventist Education that defines you as an educator. Whatever traditions and beliefs "outfit" you as a teacher, you hold them dearly and wear them proudly. Year after year, you "dress for the occasion," donning warmth, empathy, resiliency, and energy. And your students? Well, they look forward to seeing it on you, knowing that they can depend on you to always show up.
Posing with you,
Christian Educator & School Counselor