1. No Marriage Allowed!
If you were a woman teaching in the ‘50s, getting married often meant the end of your career. Many schools had strict policies that required female teachers to remain single, arguing that married life would distract them from their duties. It was believed that a woman’s place should be at home with her husband and children, and that teaching was an “all-consuming” job. The idea was that once a teacher got married, her attention would be divided, and her ability to focus on the classroom would suffer. Some districts even required teachers to sign contracts stating they would remain unmarried for the duration of their employment shares The Journal.
If a teacher did get married, she could be fired on the spot, no questions asked. There was little tolerance for married women in the workforce, and this applied to teaching jobs specifically. Meanwhile, male teachers faced no such restrictions. It’s ironic, considering that many married men were actually the breadwinners, and nobody doubted their ability to handle both work and home life.
2. No Pants for Women
Female teachers weren’t just expected to dress modestly—they were outright banned from wearing pants. Schools had dress codes that insisted women wear skirts or dresses, no matter the weather or practicality. The idea behind this rule was that teachers, especially female teachers, had to maintain a very feminine and dignified appearance. Pants were considered inappropriate for women in professional settings and were even seen as a sign of rebellion against traditional gender norms adds We Are Teachers.
Even in freezing temperatures, female teachers were expected to tough it out in stockings and knee-length skirts. Some schools even measured skirt lengths to ensure they weren’t “too short,” while others had detailed rules about appropriate colors and patterns. The irony was that male teachers could comfortably wear pants, which provided warmth and comfort, while women were expected to wear clothing that was often impractical. It wasn’t until the ‘60s and ‘70s that female teachers won the right to wear pants without fear of being fired.
3. No Smoking in Public
Teachers were expected to be role models, and that extended far beyond the classroom. Many schools prohibited teachers from smoking in public, even if it was completely legal. The reasoning behind this policy was that smoking set a bad example for students, and if a teacher was caught lighting up, it could result in a stern warning or, worse, termination. At the time, smoking was widely accepted by adults as a normal, even social, activity says BuzzFeed.
For teachers, however, smoking became a delicate issue. A teacher might want to unwind with a cigarette after a long day, but doing so in public could be seen as unprofessional. Some teachers even had to sneak their smoke breaks behind closed doors, hoping no student or administrator would catch them. Interestingly, male teachers often had a little more leeway with this rule, but female teachers were typically held to stricter standards.
4. No Drinking—Ever
Much like the smoking rule, teachers in the ‘50s were expected to abstain from alcohol in public. Even if they attended a private event, such as a dinner party or family gathering, being caught with a drink in hand could mean serious consequences. The assumption was that teachers had to maintain an image of complete moral purity, at all times, no exceptions. A glass of wine at dinner? Too risky. A beer at a baseball game? Absolutely not.
The pressure was intense, especially since social drinking was perfectly acceptable for most adults. Teachers had to avoid any situation where alcohol might be present or risk their career. They were expected to be the epitome of responsibility and moral fortitude, even in their downtime. If they were spotted with a drink in hand, it could lead to gossip, parental complaints, or, worse, the loss of their job. Male teachers often faced less scrutiny, while female teachers had to be even more careful in maintaining an image of respectability.
5. Curfew for Teachers
Some school districts actually imposed a curfew on teachers, requiring them to be home by a certain hour. This rule was meant to ensure that teachers got enough rest before heading back to work the next day, but it also reflected a deeper desire to control their private lives. The curfew was particularly rigid for female teachers, who were expected to be at home and properly rested for their roles as educators.
The curfew seemed to suggest that teachers were not allowed to have fun or a social life outside of their professional duties. A night out on the town—even one that was completely innocent—was seen as irresponsible and unprofessional. Teachers were essentially expected to live in a bubble, staying home after a certain hour to be well-rested and ready for the classroom. Younger teachers, in particular, found this rule especially stifling, as it kept them from enjoying their free time in a normal way.
6. No Bright or Flashy Clothes
Teachers were expected to dress conservatively, which meant no bright colors, flashy patterns, or anything that might draw attention to themselves. The idea was that a teacher’s clothing should not distract students from their lessons. In practice, this meant wearing muted colors and modest cuts. For women, the emphasis was on looking “ladylike”—skirts and dresses in neutral tones, with minimal accessories.
A brightly colored dress or even a bold scarf could be considered “too much.” Male teachers, on the other hand, had much more freedom in their wardrobe choices. They could wear ties, slacks, and blazers without fear of scrutiny, while women were expected to stay within very narrow confines of what’s deemed “appropriate.” Even something as simple as a red dress could cause concern, leading to comments about “showing off” or being too attention-grabbing.
7. Hair Had to Be Neat and Simple
Teachers in the ‘50s were expected to maintain a very specific, “respectable” appearance, and that extended to their hairstyles. Women were often discouraged from wearing their hair too short, too long, or too styled. Simple, tidy updos or short, controlled curls were considered the “appropriate” look. Any hairstyle that was considered too trendy, too wild, or too “out of the ordinary” was frowned upon.
Men weren’t off the hook either. They had to keep their hair neatly trimmed and avoid any look that might be perceived as untidy or rebellious. Anything that was too long or too disheveled was seen as unprofessional. For women, haircuts that went against the norm—like pixie cuts or anything less than neatly styled—could result in unwanted comments or even disciplinary action. In short, the message was clear: neatness and simplicity were paramount.
8. No Dating in Public
For unmarried teachers, dating was a delicate subject. Many schools had rules against teachers being seen in public with a romantic partner. The belief was that dating could affect their professional image, as it might signal a lack of seriousness about their role as educators. The idea was that a teacher’s personal life should be kept strictly private and separate from their public persona.
For younger teachers, this rule made it especially difficult to form relationships without facing judgment. Teachers had to be very discreet, often sneaking around to avoid being seen with a date. Female teachers, in particular, were held to higher standards, with any hint of romance deemed inappropriate. Male teachers didn’t face the same scrutiny, and the double standard was glaring.
9. No Talking About Personal Life
Teachers were expected to keep their personal lives completely separate from their professional roles. This meant no discussing hobbies, relationships, or personal struggles with students or even colleagues. The belief was that personal details made teachers too human and undermined their authority in the classroom. Teachers had to present themselves as professional, unapproachable figures who only existed in the context of education.
This expectation made it difficult for teachers to build genuine relationships with students. The classroom was meant to be a place of rigid formality, and anything personal could be seen as inappropriate. For teachers who wanted to connect with students on a human level, it was an incredibly isolating rule. It was especially difficult when teachers were struggling with their own lives, as they were expected to hide any personal issues behind a facade of perfection.
10. No Expressing Political Opinions
Teachers were expected to remain neutral when it came to politics, even outside the classroom. Expressing political opinions was seen as a potential influence on young minds, and many schools imposed strict guidelines on political involvement. The fear was that a teacher’s views—especially if they leaned too far left or right—would sway students and create division.
In the climate of McCarthyism, any hint of political radicalism could be dangerous. Teachers had to tread carefully, ensuring they never expressed opinions that might be deemed “un-American.” This rule was a form of control, preventing teachers from challenging the status quo. Teachers found themselves in a position where their personal beliefs could risk their careers, making political discussions outside of work an absolute no-go.
11. No Car Ownership for Women in Some Districts
While not a nationwide rule, some school districts actually discouraged or outright banned female teachers from owning cars. The reasoning behind this rule was that a car gave women too much independence and freedom, which was seen as a threat to their role as obedient, homebound figures. For women, owning a car was often viewed as an invitation to rebel against traditional expectations.
This policy forced many female teachers to rely on public transportation, which could be unreliable, or to walk long distances to work, even in bad weather. It also prevented them from having the kind of independence that male teachers enjoyed. Male teachers were expected to own cars, as it made them seem more “reliable” and responsible, while women were expected to remain less mobile and under control.
12. No Makeup for Some Women
In some schools, female teachers were discouraged from wearing makeup or were outright prohibited from wearing bold cosmetics like red lipstick or heavy eyeliner. The reasoning was that too much makeup made a woman look less professional, even frivolous, and detracted from the serious image teachers were expected to project. A subtle, natural look was encouraged, while anything that stood out was considered inappropriate.
For many women, this rule felt particularly oppressive because makeup had become a normal part of self-expression and self-care for many people. Teachers had to carefully monitor how they looked and adjust to meet rigid standards. While men didn’t face such scrutiny, female teachers found themselves constantly under pressure to present themselves as the epitome of modesty and propriety.
13. No Fun in the Classroom
Teachers were expected to run a tight ship, with minimal joking, games, or casual conversations. The idea was that the classroom was a place for serious learning and that any fun or “playful” activities would detract from that. Some schools even discouraged teachers from smiling too much, believing that it would make them seem too approachable and undermine their authority.
This made the classroom feel more like a military drill than an environment for learning. Without the use of humor or warmth, the space became cold and uninviting. Teachers weren’t able to foster a sense of connection with their students, which likely made the learning process less engaging. Thankfully, this rule eventually faded, as educators recognized that a little fun could go a long way in helping students feel more relaxed and motivated to learn.