Tattoos and teaching.

It is probably less of an issue today than it was 30 years ago or even 20 years ago; however, there are those in the hiring position who will make judgements about your character based upon the body art. In years gone by, long hair on men, pants worn by women, facial hair on men, earrings on men and other things have been factors played into the hiring of people. Keep in mind this is not only true in the field of educating; it is also applicable to other lines of work.

Additional factors would include the age/grade level at which you are planning to teach and the location of the educational facility. In certain environments such as a large city and dealing with children in their teens, a tattoo might be viewed as an asset, rather than a hindrance. Back in about 1985 a man showed up for a job with long hair, a mustache and a small earring stud in his ear. This was in a smaller town (Rutland Vermont) and he was denied the job. Nobody said it was the appearance; but, it became clear when the man hired for the job was a suit and tie sort with perfectly combed hair and brushed teeth. Mr.Suit and tie was adequate as a teacher; however, he was teaching English and had less command of grammar than I do. (I was teaching Science; so, English was less important than mixing together chemicals and knowing the distance between planets.) When a teacher left that same school a few years ago the replacement came to the interview wearing black denims (and a nice sports jacket). Times change and time changes people's perceptions.

Now's probably the wrong time to think about that issue, Katy! I have a large upper-arm tattoo. I am also working in a school system (elementary). One school I worked in was very proper and prim. The one I work in now, in the same district and down the street, is less prim.

I see tattoos peeking out of sleeves, neck-lines and in plain sight over ankles - and not only on the janitors. I have found elbow-length shirts to wear in warmer weather and count my blessings that I work in a school with air-conditioning (such as it is).

With all that said, I also agree with Sturgis that the stigma is far smaller now than it ever has been. I think a wrist tattoo, so long as it's not flaming skull or some such, will be overlooked. I think you may consider covering it during your interview process. I think am keeping mine covered until I get tenure.