Would having dreadlocks affect my chances as a teacher?

Question

I have been considering locking my hair for a long while now, it is not something I'll have rushed into if I go through with it. The one thing that is holding me back is that I am worried that this will conflict with my possible future career - I am beginning training to become a primary school teacher (in the UK) beginning this year. Presuming I'd still have the dreads when I finished training (4 years time), I was wondering if anybody knew whether it would seriously affect my chances when applying for a job. I don't have a grungy appearance and the dreads would be thin, tidy and tight, and neatly tied back for work etc. I'm not covered in piercings etc. It would just be the hair making me look 'alternative' for want of a better word! So does anybody know if this is something that would hold me back?

No opinions on dreadlocks please, especially negative ones, only respond if you know the answer to my question or at least can make a pretty informed guess. Anything else will be reported - I know a lot of people don't like dreads, I'm not looking to start a debate here, the world would be a pretty boring place if we all agreed wouldn't it!

Answer 1

Technically, you can't be discriminated against because of your choice of hair style, etc., Getting a job should be based on your ability. Real world - I  think it would depend on the school district and their idea of what fits w/their attitudes. And I've seen some really cool dreadlocks that actually look a lot better than comb overs.

Answer 2

Depends on where you are and the school/community climate in general.  Technically, it's illegal to discriminate on something like hairstyle, but sometimes it's subconscious.  I think I read somewhere once, that there was a study done and beautiful people are more likely to be hired than average looking people.  I don't think it's intentional, but it can subconsciously become part of one's decision.  That being said, I think dreads are awesome and more poeple should have them.  I guess the deciding factor for me in your shoes would be how easy it is to get a job in education where you live right now.  If there's a teacher shortage (but make sure there really is one because when I was in college they kept saying there was and there isn't) go for it, if it's very tough to get a job, you don't need anything subconscious working against you.  Wait until you have the job and then dread away my friend.  

Answer 3

You have to consider where you would like to teach or where you think you may end up teaching! As a NYC teacher, there is a very liberal approach to teacher appearances. In my building, there are teachers who have dreads, tattoos, facial piercings (moderate small ones like a nose stud). All of these teachers (including myself) have discussed how great it is to work in a place were judgment is small. Everyone holds themself in a professional manner and whether or not they have dreads/tattoos/piercings never makes a difference in their teaching abilities. The students take light in our interesting array of differences and professional appearance. I say go for it, stay professional, stay YOU and you will get hired. If they don't hire you as a result of the dreads, would you really want to work there anyway?

Answer 4

i had a teacher who had dreads...they were fine with it....its just hair..and it looked cool :)