Chinese school challenges teachers to wear makeup

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Two commonly recognized features in a reliable and responsible teacher are being challenged in China's academic system, reversing the previous practice that left teachers less focused on their outer appearance.

Fast forward 20 years after the tacit rule faded with modern day teachers, a school in China attempted to break out the rule by changing teachers’ outfit.

Wuhan Sanjiaohu Primary School, in central China’s Hubei Province, issued a notice on Monday, requiring female teachers to wear makeup to class and pay attention to their personal wardrobe.

Wuhan Sanjiaohu Primary School. /Baidu Picture

The school's officials say teachers’ outfits can affect the students' and their colleagues' emotions. A proper wardrobe may also give students a standard value about beauty.

Liu Xiaohui, a third-grade math teacher, said she saw changes occur on the first day of school.

"It only took me five minutes to apply BB cream and draw in my eyebrows," said Liu. "I feel cheered up. Students are more willing to smile at me when we meet. This is out of my expectation."

Some students told the reporter from Changjiang Daily News that they "would like to talk to teachers more" and "teachers look more kind than before."

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The school also invited a professional makeup artist to deliver lessons in school, as a "gift" to 126 female teachers on the Teacher’s Day. Apart from basic makeup skills, many middle-aged teachers also came to learn how to dress.

"It is a good thing," said a student parent surnamed Chen to Changjiang Daily News. "It is children’s nature to get close to people who dress well."

However, in some parents’ eyes, dressing problem is overrated. This is a distraction to students instead of a personal issue.

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School master, Zhu Fengjiang indicated professional dressing style is as important as teaching skills. She believes students learn from teachers, both from their knowledge and personal charisma.

"We focus too much on teachers' roles as teachers but ignore their needs as human beings," said Ming Yuan, Master at Decai Primary School.