It varies by school. I once worked in a school that banned visible tattoos and non-natural hair colors, but other schools don’t care at all. I’d suggest checking a school’s policy before applying.
Depends on the area, but overall tattoos aren’t much of an issue anymore.
I teach 2nd grade and have tattoos on my fingers. No one has ever made a comment about them here in the USA.
You’ll be fine! I have two visible tattoos and a septum piercing. I get asked to sub often.
zane said:
You’ll be fine! I have two visible tattoos and a septum piercing. I get asked to sub often.
To be fair, schools in the USA are desperate for subs right now. In some places, though, visible tattoos might affect a long-term hiring decision.
@lucas
I think that’s outdated thinking. I’m in a conservative area, and even here, long-term teachers have tattoos and piercings.
zane said:
@lucas
I think that’s outdated thinking. I’m in a conservative area, and even here, long-term teachers have tattoos and piercings.
Not everywhere though. I’ve worked at schools that don’t care and others that would make you cover them or wouldn’t hire you. So it’s a mixed bag.
@lucas
Well, we’re moving forward, and things are changing! Schools that care too much about it will miss out on good teachers.
zane said:
@lucas
Well, we’re moving forward, and things are changing! Schools that care too much about it will miss out on good teachers.
Guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree on that!
I have tattoos too, and no one has ever cared. My principal and superintendent both have visible tattoos!
I’d focus more on your writing skills. It’s still good to capitalize, even online. Different schools have different views on tattoos, and it also depends on the design.
lucas said:
I’d focus more on your writing skills. It’s still good to capitalize, even online. Different schools have different views on tattoos, and it also depends on the design.
Just because I’m casual online doesn’t mean I don’t know how to write well! My tattoos are just small angel wings and stars, so I’m relieved they probably won’t be an issue.
@CathyGenesis
If you care about the details and show up, you’ll be fine. Some schools care about that stuff, and others don’t have the time to be picky.
lucas said:
@CathyGenesis
If you care about the details and show up, you’ll be fine. Some schools care about that stuff, and others don’t have the time to be picky.
Good advice, thanks! I know it’s a habit I should work on for professional settings, but it’s easy to be lazy online.
This reminds me of when gold teeth were a thing back in the 80s. To me, tattoos are similar. They’re trendy, but not for everyone, especially when they cover necks or faces. I personally don’t think that’s what kids should look up to in school.
zane said:
@Wyatt
Honestly, judgmental attitudes are not what kids need from their teachers either.
I’d probably avoid taking on a student whose parents support tattoos. It’s not for everyone.
@Wyatt
Out of curiosity, why do you feel this way? For some, things like tattoos or gold teeth are just cultural or expressive choices, like fashion.
If a school isn’t okay with your tattoos, then it probably wouldn’t be a good fit for you anyway.