Teacher discrimination

Question

I would like to become an elementary school teacher, and will be going to start college soon.

My question: If i have my ears stretched to 1 1/2" will i still be able to teach? are there any restrictions for teachers as far as things like this go?

Answer 1

you need to look professional.

like if that's you in your profile, i wouldn't want my kid being taught by someone looking like that (no offence).

Answer 2

Are you serious? Ears?!? I'm g*y and teach in a middle school. If they hire me they'll hire anyone!

Answer 3

There certainly is no rule against it - but you have to find a job.

Some school districts are very very conservative and you might have difficulty finding a job. They wont specifically say its your look, but they will simply offer the position to someone else. Two exactly qualified candidates - one who may have difficulty with parents - which would you hire?

I am in Los Angeles - fairly liberal on all things - teachers I know dont even show their tattoos = and thats pretty common now.

Answer 4

Yeah I don't think its a good career choice for you! You should have thought about these things before you mutilated your body. Why do people do things like that?

Answer 5

It will depend upon the area in which you want to teach; some are far more lenient than others.  I have a couple of funky piercings that have not held me back, but I'm sure there are areas where that sort of thing is frowned upon.  I do get lots of questions about them, from students to administrators.  Be prepared to talk about them nondefensively and you will most likely be fine.  

Answer 6

Hi Steven,

From the best of my knowelledge, you can still work as a teacher at an elementary school. I never heard of anyone not being to teach of a silly ear piercing. I don't think they're any restrictions on body modification at schools, especially if they're ear piercings. Piercings and tattoos are actually art and ancient people used them as part of their culture. So, the school really can't say much about it. The only thing I'll worry about is the kids being a little freaked out about it. If I were you, I'd talk to a local school board regarding their piercing and tattoo policy, if they have one.

When I was about 6 or 7, there was a teacher at my school who had tons of tattoos on her back and she had multiple ear piercings and a nose piercing. She was still allowed to teach at the school. I don't know if they changed things now, even though I see a lot of students who have piercings like that.

At your interview, whoever is interviewing you may ask you a few questions about it and it's purpose (if it's cultural or decoration). They may ask you to be a little cautious of children seeing it and attempting to do the same to their own ears.

Good luck!  

Answer 7

It depends where you intend to teach.  In a conservative district, you will find it may be harder to obtain employment than in a more liberal area.

You may want to wait until you are tenured before you do this...