Controversial: teachers with tattoos

patty&nick · August 2011

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject.

I am about a year away from graduating and then going into a teaching credential program. I plan on teaching elementary school. I have noticed a lot of my classmates (also future elementary teachers) that have tattoos, and I have one of my own, and I keep wondering how this is going to affect us.

Is it okay for elementary school teachers to have tattoos that are visible? Is this a society where tattoos are accepted now, or is it still too taboo to bring into a classroom? Do you think it's really the discretion of the school? Will future employers even notice if it's hidden in an interview but exposed later on the job, and is that a problem?

I would love to hear all thoughts on this matter!

FWIW: My tattoo is on my foot, so it is visible when I wear open top shoes (read: all shoes but sneakers or boots). A friend of mine has a big one on her shoulder and is always being told that when she teaches she will have to be careful how she dresses in the classroom.

hannikan · August 2011

IME, it's not an issue. I worked at a Catholic elementary school in the Bay Area and the principal had a small tattoo on her foot. She was pretty young. I'm sure for interviews she made sure it was covered by wearing stockings and shoes that prevented it from showing. Other teachers had them on the back of their neck (so it showed it their hair was up). I worked with a teacher at the public high school in the same town that had lots of visible tattoos on her arms and shoulders/neck. I have a tattoo on my lower back. I cover it but sometimes my shirt will ride up a little and students have seen it. Sometimes they're shocked because they don't usually expect me to have a tattoo. A few more conservative students have been a little upset until I explain that I got it to memorialize my dad's passing. Then they understand more. I certainly wouldn't flaunt it but I don't freak out if it shows a tiny bit now and then. I'm sure there are still principals who would frown on it but generally, it's such a widespread phenomena that I think it's fairly accepted now.

torylynn1 · August 2011

My friend is an elementary school teacher and has about 11 tattoos I think. Most are visible depending on what she wears. None are offensive and I think she's ok. Another friend has a large one on her foot and wear sandals-Again, it's nothing offensive or that can cause an opinion-It's an earth/sun thing.

sm23 · August 2011

I reject the premise I don't find tattoos inherently controversial, unless the content itself of the tattoo is in some way offensive (ie, if you have a swastika tattooed on your arm, or a gang tattoo, that's problematic.)

I wouldn't really care if my kid's elementary school teacher had a tattoo, but others might. I know lots of people with tattoos who are perfectly competent, capable, professional, trustworthy employees Feel ridiculous even saying that.

I know some employers have strict policies about tattoos, piercings, etc. as part of their dress codes, though I personally find that old fashioned and unnecessary.

patty&nick · August 2011

I have worked with elementary aged children and they have gasped and pointed at my tattoo. Another peer has a big cross on his arm and he always wears long sleeves, even in summer, because he worries that parents will get angry.

These are the kinds of experiences that make me ask. I consider it controversial just because I have met plenty of people that don't like tattoos and do not want their children thinking that tattoos are okay.

Mrs_Shmoopie · August 2011

I don't think it should be an issue but I'm sure it would in many schools. Even in this state I think it would be frowned upon by some parents (and it probably wouldn't take more than one complaint for administrators to declare visible tattoos on teachers verboten). And I think in most other states it would probably be taboo.

Mrs.BoomBoom · August 2011

I know a lot of teachers with tattoos and they're great teachers. Teachers are definitely held to a higher standard though (esp elem school) and, just as I wouldn't want my kids to see their teacher smoking or using profanity or doing anything else, I would prefer that their teachers not have tattoos or a lot of piercings. It wouldn't be my choice though and it's not like I'd complain openly to the admin about it.

Might it be something that costs you a job? Maybe, but then, that's not a place you would have wanted to work.

Have you asked Libby about her experiences?

RoxysMama · August 2011

I agree with PP. As long as the tattoos are not inappropriate (gang related, racist, etc.) then who cares.

I have a small tattoo on the back of my neck symbolizing strength. No one would ever notice it unless my hair was pulled up and someone was really looking. But I think you almost have to have a tattoo or a piercing to work at Whole Foods. lol

I don't think I would even look twice if (when) I take this little one to school her teacher has a tattoo.

wldktz10 · August 2011

As you know I'm studying to be a psychologist and am working currently at the school's clinic. They have no rule about covering tattoos, and in reality about 1/4 of the students have them visible everywhere from feet to necks. I think that in some places this could be an issue, and I would always cover mine on a job interview, but I think as time goes on it will be less and less of one because it's becoming so commonplace.

patty&nick · August 2011

Mrs.BoomBoom:
I know a lot of teachers with tattoos and they're great teachers. Teachers are definitely held to a higher standard though (esp elem school) and, just as I wouldn't want my kids to see their teacher smoking or using profanity or doing anything else, I would prefer that their teachers not have tattoos or a lot of piercings. It wouldn't be my choice though and it's not like I'd complain openly to the admin about it.
Might it be something that costs you a job? Maybe, but then, that's not a place you would have wanted to work.
Have you asked Libby about her experiences?

This is exactly what I have been thinking. I know a lot of people don't care if someone has tattoos, but when it comes to your kids, those ideas sometimes change.

I haven't asked Libby because I don't use the baby board.

This is interesting, thanks ladies! Keep it commin'.

patty&nick · August 2011

Mrs.BoomBoom:
I know a lot of teachers with tattoos and they're great teachers. Teachers are definitely held to a higher standard though (esp elem school) and, just as I wouldn't want my kids to see their teacher smoking or using profanity or doing anything else, I would prefer that their teachers not have tattoos or a lot of piercings. It wouldn't be my choice though and it's not like I'd complain openly to the admin about it.
Might it be something that costs you a job? Maybe, but then, that's not a place you would have wanted to work.
Have you asked Libby about her experiences?

This is exactly what I have been thinking. I know a lot of people don't care if someone has tattoos, but when it comes to your kids, those ideas sometimes change.

I haven't asked Libby because I don't use the baby board.

This is interesting, thanks ladies! Keep it comin'.

MrsJulieT · August 2011

I think it will depend on your principal, school district and the area you live in. Our principal said that they had to be covered. Dress code issues were often left up to the principal as the district dress code said appropriately dressed or something vague like that and the principals got to decide.

Mrs.BoomBoom · August 2011

MrsJulieT:
I think it will depend on your principal, school district and the area you live in.

Absolutely! In Oakland, the principal stopped going to raves when she started meeting up with her students. She showed tats and so did the English teacher. They also had a lot of piercings and talked about their drug use pretty openly with the kids. I was shocked, but it seemed to really work there. I'm sure the same would not have been true in Saratoga.

hannikan · August 2011

Mrs.BoomBoom:
MrsJulieT:
I think it will depend on your principal, school district and the area you live in.
Absolutely! In Oakland, the principal stopped going to raves when she started meeting up with her students. She showed tats and so did the English teacher. They also had a lot of piercings and talked about their drug use pretty openly with the kids. I was shocked, but it seemed to really work there. I'm sure the same would not have been true in Saratoga.

It really does vary as far as high schools go. My mom and I were talking about this today because her school has a very strict dress code that just shocks me. But here's the kicker, it's only strict for the kids. The staff can wear whatever they want. I find that very hypocritical but that's what they do.

Gannon · August 2011

I don't think they would be a big deal to me (I can now say as the mom of kinder student!). Of course, placement and content may change my mind. If they were in a really weird, bad place (face, neck...lol), I'd probably be a little bothered. If they were of swastikas or particularly greusome, I'd probably not like that very much (ok, swastikas would send me over the edge!).

But tattoos in general, not a big deal. The main thing to me is the content of the teacher. Does the teacher care more about going to tat conventions than developing a good curriculum and educating the students? Not cool! LOL Its about balance

Also, I have a really good friend who is a HS teacher and she has a tattoo. I think she is one of the best educators I've ever met.

Celyn · August 2011

I'm still trying to picture any of my elem/HS teachers at a rave. All of mine seem to have been in their 50s or older.

I've only taught on the college level, where anything goes if you're an all-star in your field.

sm23 · August 2011

Celyn:
I've only taught on the college level, where anything goes if you're an all-star in your field.

Yes

Right?! Who cares about your tattoos if you're an excellent teacher.

PinkToyPoodle · August 2011

I live in the same area as the OP and know a lot of teachers with tattoos. I know a PE teacher with calf tattoos who wears shorts nearly every day and says he has never had a problem.

I have a foot tattoo as well and the only time it has ever came up was when I was observing a freshman class while student teaching. One of the male students asked to see it better because it was partially obstructed by my shoe and he couldn't tell what it was. I have also subbed a lot in K-6 and the students never even noticed it.

I wouldn't even worry about a tattoo. As long as you don't have BEER tattooed on your neck like some dude that works at WalMart then I think you will be okay.

Controversial: teachers with tattoos

Re: Controversial: teachers with tattoos

Choose Another Board

Search Boards