Saint Cloud, Minnesota — This school year, Mike began a new position as dean of students at Paynesville, Minnesota Schools. He brought his own dress clothes, as well as vacuum-sealed bags of student ties, jackets, and shirts that were ready to iron.
When 8th grader Jasper Matter inquired, Mike had him suit up. He hopes that this is only the beginning of dressing more Paynesville students for success.
Jermaine McClure stands in the back of his fourth-grade classroom, carefully tying the plaid tie around his neck.
The too-long tie could almost pass for a superman cape, according to the 9-year-old.
“When I wear it, I feel better and I feel like I can get better at math,” Jermaine explains.”
Jermaine’s teacher delights in such conversation.
“When we look good, we perform better,” Mike Mathiason will say to his students that morning. “When we have self-confidence, nothing stops us.”
Every Tuesday morning, Mathiason’s students at Lincoln Elementary in St. Cloud remove their backpacks and boots and change into business attire.
“It’s going to be an awesome day,” Nimo Dabar says as Mathiason holds up a mirror to the 10-year-old, who is wearing a tan blazer.
Nearby, Riyaq Mohamed is also wearing a blazer. “Makes me feel special,” she exclaims proudly.
“Dress for Success” Tuesdays are new to the school this year, but the tradition began early in Mr. Mathiason’s teaching career when he adopted suits and ties as his preferred wardrobe.
“I’ve always believed that we work in a professional setting and should dress appropriately. “I guess you could say I’m on my A game,” the eighth-year teacher admits.
Mr. Mathiason felt that the jacket and tie made him walk a little taller, commanding more respect.
“And I’m like, if it works for that, why can’t it work for them?” he responds!
Dress shirts, jackets, and blazers are now draped on hangers along his classroom’s window wall, ready for students to claim. Ties are arranged on a bookshelf.
Mathiason purchased the majority of the clothing, though some was donated as well.
“I went out and I bought them dress shirts,” according to him. “I also take them home after every Tuesday and I wash them at my house.”
Mr. Mathiason reports that when his students dress professionally, the learning environment improves.
“I really changed their mindset when they’re walking in the hallway,” he says as an example. “They’re quiet and conforming to the expectations because they feel good. “They hold themselves to a little higher standard because of how they appear,” he explains.
It’s no surprise that Muhsin Hussein has asked to wear ties on other days of the week.
He enjoys the way they make him feel. “Respected,” Muhsin replies.
Muhsin aspires to be a teacher. “When I become a teacher,” he said, “I’m going to get shirts and ties just like Mr. Mathiason.”
Students in Mr. Mathiason’s fourth grade class are well prepared for the future.
Mike Mathiason could use more children’s dress shirts, sport coats, and blazers for his class.