I am going to school to be a Special Ed Teacher, but I love tattoos. Any teachers who can give me insight...?

Question

on if they are allowed or not?

I know that any distasteful and offensive tattoos are most likely prohibited, but I have one on my foot, one behind my ear, and I have been considering getting one on the inside of my lower forearm. The only thing that is stopping me is my concern over whether or not it would be the determining factor of if I get employed when I apply for a job.

Are there any teachers out there who can give me insight on how (tasteful) tattoos are regarded at schools?

Answer 1

I have a tattoo and I teach high school,  but it is on the small of my back and not easily seen (although I usually end up inadvertently showing it off while writing on the white board)

I know a lot of teachers with tattoos, including one who has 9-10 and is in a punk band on the weekends.  It really depends on your administrator.  If he/she is someone who thinks ink is low rent, then they might not hire you.  I would suggest covering them up when you interview.

Answer 2

By all means, if you want a tatoo, place it somewhere that you can cover it up.  If you are wanting to be a special ed teacher, you have to consider not only the administration, but the parents of the students you will be teaching.  You will have to be in ARD meetings for your students that can involve more entities than you could imagine.  Further, you wouldn't want any tatoos to cause a distraction to the students you are teaching.

Answer 3

I have many coworkers that have small tattoos in various locations. However these locations are usually fairly discreet and easy to cover up on a daily basis. I will say I have never seen a teacher with a large amount of tattoos or highly visible tattoos. Yes, I do believe some administrators would frown upon them, but if your credentials are strong, you would be welcomed in. The special education field needs teachers badly and I don't think most would blink at small, discreet tattoos. It sounds like the tattoos you currently have could be covered by shoes and hair so there would be no need for anyone to know anyway. Good luck!

Answer 4

When you are hired ask your principal the rules regarding tattoos................. I have two butterflies and so far so good.............but I had a friend called in about their tattoo so it depends on the principal of the school..............I know quite a few teachers that have tattoos.............Think about placement of the tattoo..............you may start as a Special ed teacher but you move to a higher level position in the teaching field