Practica and Internship Dress Code for all ECU Education Majors

When representing the ECU College of Education, it is expected that candidates adhere to a professional or business casual dress code during school-related activities, practica, and internships. Teacher candidates must comply with the dress code of the school site and ECU, prioritizing cleanliness, personal hygiene, and exemplifying a role model for P-12 students. The following are examples of both acceptable/recommended and not acceptable professional attire:

Acceptable/Recommended Attire

  • Slacks
  • Casual dress pants
  • Leggings with shirts/tunics long enough to cover bottom
  • Skirts
  • Dresses
  • Blouses
  • Collared shirts
  • Polos
  • Sweaters
  • Ties
  • Sports coats
  • Professional denim
  • Subject specific appropriate attires, such as:
    • Approved athletic wear (physical education candidates)
    • Scrubs (special education)
    • Chef’s uniform (family and consumer studies)
    • Smocks or aprons (art)
    • Closed-toe shoes (art)

Not Acceptable Attire

  • Jeans (blue, holes, tears/rips)
  • Shoes with holes, rips or not clean
  • Sweatpants, yoga pants, or tights worn as pants
  • Excessively baggy pants
  • Tight fitting clothing
  • Shorts
  • Skirts or dresses shorter than fingertip length
  • Tank tops, sweatshirts, spaghetti straps, or tops revealing chest, back, or midriff when standing, sitting or bending
  • T-shirts with slogans (with exceptions for educational Spirit Wear, such as ECU logos)
  • Clothing, jewelry, accessories, or tattoos that 1) promote the use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or controlled substances by words or symbols, contain profanity or nudity, depict violence, that are sexual in nature by words or symbols; 2) are in any way disruptive or potentially disruptive to the learning environment; and 3) that post a threat or potential threat to the safety or welfare of the candidate, students, or any other person
  • Flip-flops, bedroom slippers, or Crocs
  • Visible undergarments
  • Sunglasses or hats worn inside
  • Cosmetic enhancements (such as piercings in locations other than ears, tattoos) in conflict with district policy

Rule of thumb: If you question whether you should wear something, choose a different option.

Candidates must adhere to the school/school district and ECU dress codes as well as any additional policies required by the school. Regardless of how school employees dress, the school/district and ECU dress codes are to be followed by all teacher candidates.

ECU ID should be visible for all school personnel.

Modifications may be made by the appropriate supervisor to accommodate ECU candidates who are engaged in specialized duty (physical education, vocational education, field trips) or specialized activities (workday, field day, spirit days) that require or permit a relaxed mode of dress. Accommodations will be made for religious practice or a medical reason that conflicts with the dress code.

The Professional Purple Closet is available to ECU students who need professional attire. This resource is available in Rivers 143 on Thursdays from 2-5 p.m.