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?

I haven't read the full thread but surely it depends on the ethos of the school. If there's a strict uniform code where five year olds wear a collar and tie, then no, it would be inappropriate. Just as it would be inappropriate for staff to wear flip flops and tee shirts in those schools.

I wouldn't think it had any impact on your ability to teach my child at all and would never be worried about this, complain or make a comment to anyone. But I would silently judge you as a little naive and be annoyed if I had to then explain why tattoos are unwise to my child. It's not a professional look and could close some doors to you. Just because it's commonplace now doesn't change that. Stupid eyebrows are fashionable too but at least they aren't permanent.

Sounds like you teach primary from the glue and snot comment, but if it's in secondary I also think it really undermines your ability to enforce the dress code which is (rightly or wrongly) very much part of your job in many schools on a daily basis.

My DS's teacher has tattoos on his forearm. He has taught both my kids and they have commented that he has tattoos but just as something interesting. That said he does end up wearing long sleeves most of the time and looks red hot in summer so he obviously feels he should cover it in front of parents. He is my favourite teacher though so not a prob in that respect. I would prob chose something that can be covered in short sleeves.

I don't like tattoos, not sure why. I guess I just don't get it. Why would anyone want a permanent picture on themselves. Get a tshirt with the design on and see how long it takes until you throw that tshirt out because your bored of the design or you've gone off it. I'd be surprised if you like the same thing in 5 years, let alone 50.

It's not just the quality of the teaching according to the so called "professional standards", however.

They state that teachers have a "uniquely influential role to play" in the lives of children and as such a teacher can expect to be struck off for activities such as drink driving, fraud and minor assault, even if they do not take place in a school or similar and even if they do not result in a custodial sentence.

I am not of course suggesting that tattoos fall into the above category but there is a perception that teachers should behave in a certain manner, and you may find some schools and particularly in some areas, approach the subject of appointing a teacher with visible tattoos with caution, even if she is skilled and knowledgeable.

I'm not a big fan of tattoos really, but prefer the beautiful, artistic designs to the ones of names of family members etc. I'm a teacher and parent. I wouldn't mind if my dc's teacher had a visible tattoo. Obviously anyone can have a tattoo, but I do think that people with an alternative style tend to carry them off much better. But that's purely a taste thing, not a moral or professional judgment.

My son's teacher has that exact tattoo on her lower arm, I only noticed it the other day, it didn't bother me at all. In fact, it made me like her a bit more.

It just doesn't look particularly professional but I would mind as a parent as long as you were good with my kid. I do think you would limit your job prospects though.

I reckon if I was looking around a school and saw a teacher with visible tattoos then I would know it was a good environment for DD to learn in - somewhere that focuses on what matters instead of what doesn't.

With tattoos, no matter how cool people are on MN, you still have to risk the inevitable effect they can have on people who are against them, who have the ability to limit your chances.

You'll never know people's opinions because they'll probably keep those opinions to themselves. That's why I'd be wondering why you'd choose to have a tattoo in a visible place, when you have the choice not to.

The decision is yours alone, just be aware you risk limiting your chances unnecessarily.

I am a teacher and a parent. I am not keen on tattoos. However the only time I would complain is if the tattoo was offensive or particularly scary to younger children if you are in primary...a tattoo does not affect your ability to teach..(if it did then all the hidden ones would have done so!)

I would inwardly judge and if my dc teacher keep a closer eye on performance.

for some reason (probably not rightly so) visible tatoo says 'fuck off' to me.

Having a visible tattoo might seriously limit your chances of being employed by other schools. That's the way it is.

I absolutely believe in your right to. It makes no difference at all.

The way I see it in my professional world - there are many barriers to consultations, reasons people find it hard to trust or open up (you might guess I am not a teacher... you'd be right, but still a professional) and when I bring something about myself that people react to 'into the room' I increase those barriers. Some of my colleagues have to work twice as hard with certain people because of the colour of their skin - wrong, but true. So by dressing conservatively with minimal jewellery, no piercings, tattoos, etc... I reduce the potential barriers about which I have a choice. I choose not to exercise my choice if you like.

But you sound an awesome teacher, and I still defend your right to go for it.

I'm promoting individuality

Oh dear. The irony.

Knotted,

In answer to your question about why a tattoo is unprofessional, that applies to everything other than actually doing the job.

I am not sure how you would feel seeing a medical consultant dressed in ripped jeans and a t shirt, personally I would prefer 'professional' dress. Equally speaking in cockney or Jamaican patois would not prevent you doing a brilliant job. However professionals, for eons, have used different ways of signalling their professionalism and dress code is one of them.

Inherent in the idea of a visible tattoo is that it is a display. It conveys a message to others, makes a statement.

People who stamp themselves are going to be aware that tattoos do illicit negative views from some people. I imagine that is part of their appeal.
So armed with that knowledge why do you want to have a visible tattoo.
It's a middle finger up to many in society, it will limit your employment.

It's grossly naive.

If you're a good teacher / nurse / doctors / road sweep / lion tamer people will notice that not your tattoos.

In your bubble perhaps.

user147 How edgy

My microdermal is there because I like how it looks - not because of any associated semiotics

My microdermal is there because I like how it looks - not because of any associated semiotics

Sure

I'm a school nurse. I'm covered in tattoos. It has never been a problem, and I can't understand why it ever would be (unless offensive, obviously). Teaching children that we are all different and valuing diversity is hugely important anyway.

tuna- if appearance is so unimportant then why get tattoos?