I’m about to start my major in early childhood education next semester. I’m curious… will having tattoos make it hard for me to get a job after graduation? I have some that are easy to cover up, but I also have small ones on my fingers (which I could remove if needed) and a few on my wrists that I’d prefer to keep.
If a school won’t hire you just because of your tattoos, maybe it’s not the place you want to work.
keny said:
If a school won’t hire you just because of your tattoos, maybe it’s not the place you want to work.
A teacher with visible tattoos told me something similar during my student teaching. I ended up leaving teaching for other reasons, but that advice has always stuck with me.
keny said:
If a school won’t hire you just because of your tattoos, maybe it’s not the place you want to work.
Exactly! I have full sleeves and piercings, which might have cost me a few jobs. I never cover my tattoos for interviews since I want them to know upfront. The schools that hired me never had a problem with it. I haven’t always liked every school I’ve worked at, but my tattoos and piercings were never the issue.
Lots of elementary teachers these days have tattoos. As long as they’re not offensive, you should be good.
PixelPioneer said:
Lots of elementary teachers these days have tattoos. As long as they’re not offensive, you should be good.
I teach high school and have a tattoo of Muffin from Bluey. 
PixelPioneer said:
Lots of elementary teachers these days have tattoos. As long as they’re not offensive, you should be good.
Same here! I’m covered in tattoos and teach 1st grade. Since none of mine have any content that could be seen as offensive, I’ve never had a problem.
My assistant principal has a neck tattoo, and most of the younger teachers at my school have at least one visible tattoo.
Honestly, over half of the staff at our elementary school have visible tattoos. It’s almost a norm for younger teachers here.
Don’t let yourself be the first person to say no. This was advice I received early on in my teaching career, and it’s really helped, especially in a field where people worry a lot about being judged.
In the school where I sub, at least seven teachers have visible tattoos on their arms and legs, ranging from young teachers to those close to retirement.
This is pretty common now.
I have one on my arm, and the only reactions I get are ‘cool’ from the kids and parents.
You’ll be fine! I’m in a similar situation, and even as a volunteer, nobody cared. My one hand tattoo can be covered if needed, but I rarely bother.
I teach art for K-2, with full sleeves on both arms. Worked in three districts across different states, and it’s never been an issue. I only cover them for big district events, but it’s no big deal.
Tattoos aren’t the taboo they used to be. Right now, I’m the only teacher on my grade level without one! As long as you avoid offensive themes, you’re fine. Even Disney lets employees have visible tattoos now.
As long as tattoos don’t show anything inappropriate, you should be okay, especially in less conservative schools. At my school, half the staff have tattoos or unique hair colors, and nobody cares.
It depends on the district. My tattoos can be covered if needed, but I’m considering a forearm tattoo. Honestly, I think as long as it’s not on your face, you’ll be fine.
As long as they aren’t offensive, it should be fine. A friend of mine has a simple word tattooed on her neck, and she’s never had an issue.
Not a big deal like it used to be. Most schools allow visible tattoos these days, though a few might have rules. Good luck! My tattoos haven’t ever affected my teaching career.