Case
Tattoos on Job Applicant

We just interviewed a highly qualified teacher for an immediate opening at our school. She is very well spoken, well educated, and experienced, but she has multiple tattoos that are visible. Should the tattoos eliminate her from the job since she will be teaching in an elementary setting?

Posted on: 10/18/15 | Views: 1538
Solution #1
Top Solution
I do not feel that having tattoos should eliminate her from the job unless it is a policy in your district that you have no control over. I do not see that the tattoos would need to be covered up. If the tattoos are vulgar, however, they should be covered up on a daily basis.

I agree. Unless the tattoos are vulgar I do not see any harm.

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Solution #2
No, the tattoos should not eliminate her from the job. However, if you are hesitant about the response she will receive you can always ask her to cover her tattoos. If she is willing to take the job she will abide and if that is not something she is willing to compromise she won't feel she was forced into covering them.
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Solution #3
I think that if she is highly qualified then she should get the job. This is what will benefit the students. If there is a policy in place by the district, then follow it in regards to covering up. If it is not, I would not worry about it. We get so caught up on appearances to the detriment of our students. You do not want to miss out on a great chance for students to show growth because the teacher has tattoos that will make some uncomfortable. I feel if everyone is working for the greater good, this will not matter.
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Solution #4
In this day and time tattoo are more common and if she was a great fit for toy school and her tattoos where not derogatory then that should not be a factor.
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Solution #5
I don't think that tattoos should keep her from getting the job. As someone who has a visible tattoo, I would be very offended if someone didn't hire me simply because of a tattoo on my arm. As long as it isn't vulgar, there should be no problem.
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Solution #6
I don't think tattoos should eliminate her from the job. I think that as long as the tattoos aren't bad then she should be able to work any job she wants. It shouldn't matter what the person looks like it should be how they are qualified and what they bring to the table for students educations.
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Solution #7
Tattoos should not eliminate her from the job, She should be aware that visible tattoos should be covered in case children and parents find them offensive. This is a topic that is becoming a regular occurrence. The State education department should address this a make a policy on this matter.
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Solution #8
Having tattoos should not be the ultimate decision in whether or not a very qualified teacher should be instructing children. Unless the tattoos are inappropriate or offensive, they shouldn't have to be covered up during work as well. Odds are students have parents who have tattoos and are okay with them. I also believe that the teacher should have covered their tattoos during the interview in order to avoid questions like this.
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Solution #9
Tattoos should not be a cause of her not getting the job. If the tattoos are completely inappropriate (nudity, profanity, explicit) then I believe it should be asked to be concealed when at the school.
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Solution #10
I do not think that tattoos are a disqualifying factor unless they are inappropriate or vulgar. If there are guidelines at the school specifically not allowing visible tattoos I personally think that rule should be revised, but if it cannot, I would leave it up to your judgement. Do you think that these tattoos can be a prevalent distraction every class? Do you think that her tattoos outweigh her qualities and qualifications?
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Solution #11
tattoos should not withhold a teacher from getting a deserved position. I feel as though as long as the teacher is qualified like stated then they should get the job. I do think that the way this optional teacher carries herself matters too, if she was professional and covered what she could of her tattoos then that's respectful in an interview. Most dress codes in schools would permit students seeing tattoos anywhere offensive or risky. so they should be good
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Solution #12
I do not think that tattoos are a problem unless they are inappropriate and the students can see them, but besides that it should not matter. Don't judge a book by its cover!
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Solution #13
Absolutely not! If you think so highly of her, then you already know your answer. Unless the tattoos are vulgar or inappropriate, it should not be a problem!
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Solution #14
Unless the tattoos are distracting or promote violence, I do not think she should be eliminated from the position.
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Solution #15
I do not feel like she shouldn't get the job because she has tattoos. As long as they are school appropriate she should be considered.
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Solution #16
No, as long as her tattoos are not inappropriate or disrespectful. they are fine. Tattoos are a way of expression.
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Solution #17
I wouldn't eliminate her just because of the tattoos. I would talk to her and ask her to cover them the best way possible. But if she's qualified, why wasting a potentially exceptional teacher for something so trivial?
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Solution #18
No I know multiple teachers in the elementary level that have visible tattoos. Unless they are inapproiate then it should not be an issue. A lot of parents now days have tattoos. If they are against policy that is written out somewhere, I would have her cover them.
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Solution #19
I do not think this day in age tattoos should be an issue. I have five tattoos, and I am more passionate about teaching than anything else in my life. Tattoos do not define what someone is good at or their character.
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Solution #20
I do not think that tattoos should stop her from being hired. Tattoos have become something apart of today's culture. If they are a distraction she could think of wearing certain clothing to cover them if necessary.
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Solution #21
No, tattoos should not be the reason to deny her the job! Young children can be so passive about such things. If it is explained that it is a normal choice adults make they may not even ask more about it. It is also very common for parents to have tattoos so it may nt be distracting in any way.

That's what I have thought too! Once I notice someone has a tattoo, I think it's cool and admire it for a little bit, but I honestly don't continue to focus on it every time I see that person again. Tattoos are much more common now and should no longer label an individual as delinquent. Policy makers say that tattoos may distract students simply because they can't state that they discriminate against them.

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Solution #22
I do not think it should have any affect on the peso and ability for the job. As a person with tattoos I make sure that while working in a school mine are completely covered. That means long sleeves in the hot Florida weather. It's up to the supervisor if tattoos can be visible and we need to respect their choices.
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Solution #23
They shouldn't but unfortunately with teaching they do.
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Solution #24
I think you need to think about what the parents in your community will think. I know the parents in my community wouldn't care, but parents in the neighboring community would. If she were interviewing for a high school job I wouldn't think twice about it, but those are people's babies, so consider their overall take on things to make the best decision for everyone. You wouldn't want to hire a teacher who will be criticized and treated unfairly by parents.
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