Since many people think tattoos are unprofessional, instructors have for years avoided getting them or covering them up while working. In actuality, tattooing has been done as a spiritual and religious practice since the Neolithic era. Many individuals still today decide to get tattoos for sentimental, symbolic, spiritual, or religious reasons.
Teachers can now, however, get tattoos. Another issue that varies from school to school is whether or not such tattoos can be seen. Some schools and/or school districts might require you to cover the tattoo, but that's usually the case if it's something that pupils shouldn't see or if it's visible in a place on your body they shouldn't.
Is it alright for a teacher to have tattoos?
A visible but covert and "inoffensive" tattoo may be permitted, but a teacher will likely be asked to cover an explicit tattoo that is inappropriate for a school environment. The majority of educators will also decide for themselves what to conduct in a professional and appropriate manner in the classroom.
Under the Equality Act of 2010, which forbids employers from treating employees unfairly, a number of protected characteristics, such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex, and sexual orientation, are prohibited. With the exception of religious symbols, the law does not protect body art.
This implies that hiring decisions can be based on the existence of obvious tattoos and are permissible for school administrators and all businesses. Additionally, they have every right to enforce a dress code that requires tattoos to be covered when on school property. Certain conditions, especially if they are thought to be disturbing pupils and their families, may allow employers to lawfully fire a staff member for failing to cover visible tattoos. But rather than senior staff members' personal preferences or opinions, these choices ought to be made in accordance with the law and the needs of the organisation.
Will teachers with tattoos be a positive influence? Or would it be negative?
Today's world of gang violence, terrorist attacks, and intercultural conflict makes it more crucial than ever for schools to teach kids about understanding and appreciating diversity alongside reading and math skills. The majority of a young person's life is spent in school. Academic studies are just one aspect of their learning process; it is where students receive education in all facets of life. What message are we sending to pupils if we tell teachers to cover up tattoos and adhere to a particular stereotype of what a teacher should look like?
Children must also learn how to act in particular situations differently. For the majority of individuals, our behaviour at home and at work are distinct from one another. We must continually practise these important social skills if we want to succeed in life. Encouragement of respect for differences and the development of the capacity to respond appropriately in various situations are both parts of a teacher's job.
Also read: Managing mental health when working from home
There is no consensus among teachers over whether tattoos should be covered up at work; there is also no appropriate answer. Having said that, there may be further benefits to allowing teaching personnel to proudly wear their tattoos. Body art frequently has a purpose and can be an excellent conversation starter. A discourse on a subject that might normally be difficult to broach could start because of a religious tattoo. As this blog shows, the very fact that teachers get tattoos is a contentious issue in and of itself.
What should you do if you already have tattoos?
If you're a teacher with obvious tattoos, a few straightforward pieces of advice can make things easier.
Keep them covered at work – At work, keep them covered. Be discreet and, if at all feasible, keep your tattoos covered. Keeping your tattoos hidden may prevent any problems, even if your school does not require a dress code or covering your tattoos.
Make a sensible choice - Think twice before getting a tattoo in an awkward place. Think about the tattoo itself and how others could interpret it, especially those who don't share your beliefs.
Be ready for the questions - One of your responsibilities as a teacher is to clarify and respond to students' inquiries. You will be questioned about your tattoos by young children who are innately inquisitive. Making your tattoos acceptable to your school administration and parents will be made much easier if you can incorporate them into an educational experience.
What Does the Law Say About Tattoos?
Under the Equality Act of 2010, which forbids employers from treating employees unfairly, a number of protected characteristics, such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex, and sexual orientation, are prohibited. With the exception of religious symbols, the law does not protect body art.
Any school system will often permit visible tattoos that are not inherently offensive or derogatory. However, extreme tattoos like entire sleeves, face tattoos, or those that can be perceived negatively by parents are generally not permitted in school settings.
What is an unacceptable tattoo?
Any tattoo that is considered sexual in nature or exposes private or sensitive body regions is generally offensive and inappropriate. Tattoos that display extreme political, military, or slave-related imagery are viewed as insulting.
Tattoos are often considered unprofessional because some people don't like them. Let's face it, most of us only pass passing judgment on people based on how they look, but some people go too far and believe that someone is unprofessional just because they have tattoos on their bodies.
Conclusion
The subject of whether instructors can have tattoos has no right or wrong response. Visible tattoos may be prohibited by the dress code at some schools, while they may be more permissive at others. In the end, each instructor must make the decision regarding whether or not they want to get a tattoo and, if so, where to place it so that it is not visible during class.
Finally, we believe that teachers are permitted to have tattoos as long as they are hidden from view by students. Although I don't believe that getting a tattoo always makes you less professional, we do believe that teachers should always present themselves professionally. If you're thinking about getting a tattoo, do your research and pick a design and location that won't offend or annoy your pupils.