Absolutely no to uniforms, Pam. Teachers rarely sit at desks. They are often on the floor, in groups, performing acrobatics you'd never imagine.

They teach sport, and music, they take students for fitness runs (talking Australia here), perform drama and dance, and they're in and out of situations, faster than a fiddler's elbow.

What I do endorse is looking professional. No jeans, no joggers, except for sport, no boob-flaunting tops, shirts for men, (ties not mandated), no tats, and hair in place.

We wear so many hats, but looking the part is still vital. Comfort is also vital.

Respect? You gain that in how you treat your students. We all have at least one student who serves us curry, but that's part of being a teacher, finding our why this kid behaves as he does, and also finding ways to deal with the behavior.

I can't imagine myself in uniform and teaching at the same time.

Uniforms for students? I can tell you the ones kids still wear today are so uncomfortable, plastic-based and hot as Hades in summer.

One local school got around that by making every day a sports day. The students were allowed to wear one of three colors, red, yellow and white( tops), teemed with navy shorts or a skirt for girls (if they wished).

There was never a complaint by students, parents, or staff, and they were all comfortable.

I worked for Catholic education. We never got that brave! Sadly!