To get a tattoo that's very visible as a teacher?

[LifeLong13]

I've been teaching for over a decade. I have several tattoos and only one is visible and it's on my foot.

I'm debating a tattoo of a lotus flower on my lower arm.

As a parent how would you feel if your child's teacher was tattooed? If you employ teachers how would you feel?

The fact that you are asking here shows you have doubts. Don't do it.

My concern as a parent and as a fellow teacher would be the message it's sending to the students, i.e. anyone can get a tattoo and it's just fine, when in reality certain people/employers will hold strong views about it. My husband employs a lot of people, and part of their dress code is that no tattoos or piercings can be visible when they're wearing the company logo. Consequently, some of his staff have to cover up when they could be wearing short sleeves on a hot day etc.

Only snobs hate tattoos. Having ink does not mean that the person turns into a crazy loon!

Teacher with a wrist tattoo (albeit, nearly completely lasered off) here. I can't see why not. Mine doesn't impact on my teaching or the children's learning.

NotquitewhatIexpected

It absolutely is fine to have a tattoo. Luckily, the snobs will be dead soon and companies like your DH's will have to move into the 21st century. I can almost guarantee you that banning tattoos will be a form of discrimination soon, which is how it should be.

Only snobs hate tattoos. Rubbish, it's a matter of personal taste, not class.

I happen to think they look horrid. Doesn't make me a snob.

Wouldn't bother me in the slightest. Having a tattoo doesn't affect the way you teach children.

We are having 3 year old talking about what tattoos she'll have because of visible ones at nursery. It really upsets me.

It wouldn't bother me, but it may put employers off.

Err got to jump in here. Both my kids have now left school, despite our economic circumstances they were both fortunate to attend top boarding schools having gained scholarships. As far as I know (or saw) none of the teachers in either of their schools (male or female) had tatoos and if they did they kept them hidden. All the teachers (M+F) wore 'business wear' So I would agree with the comments that say it depends where you want to work.

GrumpyGoat1

Ding ding ding, someone mentioned private school!

I have a friend who works in the top private school in the country, she has several tattoos as do her colleagues. Yes, they sometimes hide them but it's not policy.

It's always nice to see the snobs come out in force.

Personally I don't like tattoos but I'd never judge someone else for choosing one although Really don't think tattoos on the face will ever be socially acceptable in the workplace! I agree with discreet, non confrontational tattoos if that's your thing and regardless of your profession frankly. My DS has just become a volunteer policeman and has a tattoo "sleeve" which can't be passed his watch strap and he has to wear long shirt sleeves all the time he's on duty, although there's talk of this rule being relaxed as a way of showing the Police are a reflection of today's society. Same thing for teachers but employers are notoriously behind "the times"!

No problem at all. DD2's MFL teacher has tattoos on her neck and arms. She's a bloody good teacher, which is what counts. And this is in a (whisper it) private school.

I do get the 'blank canvas' thing, that's the first sensible anti tattoo argument I've heard.

Beyond that, I think we should bear in mind that social mores are fluid - I'm a teacher in a management role at a private international school. I have a tattoo (which I love) which I usually do cover up as I don't like the fact that only part of it shows when I wear short sleeves. So long or 3/4 sleeves for work, sleeveless if I want my tattoo on display - & sleeveless wouldn't be appropriate for workwear, tattoo or not.

So I'd say go ahead with the tattoo, with the caveat that you may find it bugs you if it restricts what you can wear.

I'm a good teacher, my skills are in demand & I can afford not to work in a school where my tattoo, brightly dyed hair & piercings would be a pearl clutchy deal breaker.

But I would think it naive not to think it will impact on the reactions some, more conservative individuals will have. I don't have to agree with them, but I do have to take it into account.

My solution is that there are 'on duty' & 'off duty' versions of how I present myself. A tattoo that I couldn't hide whilst wearing normal, comfortable workwear would be more of a nuisance than piercings & hair dye - I could remove the studs & dye my hair brown tonight if I chose to.

Planning a bloody awesome sleeve for my retirement present to me, though .

Not to like a form of artwork, hairstyle or dress doesn't make one a snob. You are allowed personal preferences.

To suggest I am not allowed to have a preference is snobby in itself. Why am I not allowed to be different and have preferences bowie ?

I'm a head teacher - loads of staff have them, most are lovely. No reflection on how you teach. If it makes you happy do it!

I was randomly watching songs of praise last week. There was a vicar, massively tattooed all over his body. All religious based. He was also bearded and young. The way he connected with young people was amazing. More and more people are having tats. Think it will become less of a thing as time goes by.
But having said all that, I would be restrained about where I had one just in case it caused problems for a future job. My rebel soul has disappeared!

I do find it puzzling that people wish to inject inks, that have components that are often known carcinogens into their bodies. Mind you I don't think they should be prevented at all. It's up to them.

Can't understand why someone is saying disliking tattoos makes you a snob!
Some people find the practice of permanently marking your skin simply bizarre.
Some simply do not like what inked features look like.
Others find the overall look of tattood skin an unprofessional look.
Some people like them.
Snobbery has little to do with it. I'm sure many snobs have tattoos - judging by some of the comments on here.

I love art, but have never seen one I would describe as lovely!

She has, I have. Could not give a flying shiney fuck as long as they (the tatts) weren't offensive and they (the teacher) was doing a good job with my children.

I think one can absolutely dislike certain forms of dress, etc, Head.

But it's more polite & professional to acknowledge that it's simply your personal preference & not really something you need to worry about on someone else.

One of my colleagues has very long & obviously false nails which she taps irritatingly on desks in meetings. Another has a penchant for Maths symbol novelty ties.

I don't like & wouldn't wear either of these things, but so what? I like & respect them & neither of them is asking me for fashion advice - we just crack on & work together.

Nobody said you can't have a preference, Headofthehive55. What is wrong is using your preference to discriminate. I don't particularly like red hair on men, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't want a red haired bloke teaching my sons.

See how ridiculous you're being?

It's fine to dislike tattoos. Just don't go around saying they're all trashy, disgusting and low class and that they mean you can't work in a good job. I've seen people with beautiful ink-free skin working in McDonald's and people covered in tattoos who advise me on my finances. Tattoos do not impact your ability to do a job.

No it's not something I tend to worry about on someone else. But I object to being called a snob because I don't like tattoos or equally false long nails.

I find when people dress in those styles e.g. Tattoos or false nails lots of make up and long blonde hair extensions, I find I relate less well and find them less approachable.

Hence I found the blank canvas approach has much to recommend it.

I have never said they were trashy or disgusting or low class.