Okay, I have thought about this so much I am losing perspective. Am I being ridiculously conservative, or should I be concerned that she has a tatoo? It is on the top of one of her feet and it's a flowery design about 3 inches long. Definitely visible when flip-flops or flats are worn, which will and can be worn by teachers for at least the next couple of months, until the weather cools. My daughter will see this sooner or later, probably sooner, because she notices appearances and wardrobes. I know I cannot shelter her, maybe I should I treat this as a learning experience? Some people make that choice, blah, blah. I am not against tatoos in particular, I do not have one, and I know this tatoo does not make her less of a person, but I am not sure I want the person (who is supposed to be a role model) who is going to be spending more time during the day with my child this year than I am to have a tatoo what all can see. I need some objective opinions!! This taking place in a really well-regarded school district with huge parental involvement, so I do not want to rock the boat with a change-of-teacher request until I am absolutely sure of my thoughts. Thanks!
Ummm, not sure where I see the problem. I don't have one, but don't have a problem with it. It's just body art and that's how I would address it with your child (if the subject even comes up)- just like getting your ears pierced. More and more people are getting them. My mom, who is one of the most conservative people I know, is getting one as soon as swimming season is over. I don't think it makes her less of a role model for having one. Now if it was a skull and crossbones, I would have a problem with it. Sounds like you are in pretty much the same type of school district we are and I don't know that requesting a teacher change would be a good idea. They are going to wonder why and unless you have a different reason that you can give it could negatively effect how your daughter is treated. It will get discussed with other teachers and parents (As an active member of our local PTA I KNOW what gets talked about) and this could filter down to you and your daughter. It sounds harsh -and it is- but that's what will probably happen. And I don't think this a big enough deal to do that.
So because she has a tattoo she can not be a role model? In my opinion, you are being judgemental. You have not said what kind of teacher she is. You have no idea what kind of a person she is. You do not know why she has the tattoo...maybe it represents something special to her and even if it is just "art" I think it should not matter. I can't believe you would be willing to ask for another teacher that may not be as good at teaching your daughter just because this one has a tattoo. I am surprised you daughter has not seen someone with a tattoo yet or maybe she has and just did not think much of it.
I too am conservative and I see where you are coming from. My girls are very young and my two year old was watching Sesame Street yesterday and there is a new character with a nose ring!!! I freaked, keep in mind I went through my piercing phase in college and did the belly button, tounge & upper ear. Their daddy was praticaly a pin cushion and he had tatoos. (he has since had them removed as they were not meaningful and kinda stupid)Do I want my girls to get pierced and have tatoos - not really - am I going to be able to stop them when they turn 18 - not really.
As for your question should you request a class change - NO WAY!! Unless you plan to hide your kiddos from the outside world.... they are going to see lots of things that you will not approve of. If she bring it up like you said use it as a time to discuss body art with her!
I have several sorority sisters who are teachers and quite a few have tatoos and I assure you they are all amazing teachers and wonderul role models!!!
i definitely think you are over-reacting. perhaps if it were a tattoo of a swastika or skull and bones there might be cause for concern, but i think the fact that your child's teacher as ONE tattoo of flowers, on her foot, to boot, isn't really anything to fuss about. obviously the teacher has the proper credentials to teach your child what she needs to learn, and she passed a background check, so what are you really worried about? it's not like your daughter will be of age to get a tattoo anytime soon, anyway. it is the responsibility of the parents to guide their children by teaching them right from wrong, and i don't think a tattoo really has anything to do with ethics and moral values. so, stop being so judgemental; after all, we are in the 21st century and the world is undergoing lots of major changes that are WAY more important than what's on your child's teacher's feet. good luck!
I do not have a tattoo. I am a mother of a 20,16,15 year old none of my children have tattoos My husband does not have a tattoo and in elementary school I do not think that any of my kids teachers had tattoos. I am trying to understand what you find objectionable. With teachers I was more worried about them educating my children than piercings and tattoos. I try not to judge others by outward appearance but by what comes through and how they touch others lifes.
I don't see how the tattoo is that important. It is not the issue of she has a tattoo that matters...is she a good effective teacher is the issue.
I am a teacher and even though I don't have a tattoo I am a huge fan of them and I think as long as it is tasteful that should show you that her morals are in place. Also, people get tattoos for many different reasons and you don't know if that holds a symbolic meaning for her.
I would also be shocked and worried if the school let you change teachers for that reason. Are you sure there is not some underlying issue you have with the teacher?
I hope this is helpful and just keep in mind that people can have tattoos and be successful, respectful and respected people of the community...for generations people whom are highly regarded in communities have had them, but now they are a little more popular and not so tabu.
I hope this helps. :)
Last year my son had a fantastic 1st grade teacher. On the last day of school she and I exchanged myspace information. Then I found out her husband is the front man for a heavy metal rock band! It was so funny to me to think that I expect teachers to just be teachers and not to have any kind of personal life, other than going home and grading papers! She is STILL a fantastic teacher who loves children, and it just so happens that her husband is the front man for a heavy metal band. Your daughter will not be as alarmed by the visible tattoo as you are, and she will probably absolutely love her teacher.
One evening when all the girls in my church group were together w/o the guys, someone asked about tattoos and who had them. We were about equally divided half and half on who had tatoos and who didn't. I think this is just a fact of our culture these days and you definitely need to use it as a teachable moment.
I am an elementary teacher. I have a tattoo - 2 of them! And I have to say I am puzzled by your statement or judgement per-say. One of my tattoo's is visible, on my ankle. Not one teacher, parent or administration personnel has ever said anything other than, "I like your tattoo". I have had 2 students ask me about it - basically all they want to know is did it hurt and I say, "YES". It is symbolic to me and it is a pretty tattoo. The fact I have ink on my ankle does not in any way take away from my abilities to teach my students. My class motto is family - in my classroom we are family, we have each other's back and support one another in failures and accomplishments. I'm positive that my tattoo does not take away from that message nor keeps them from learning.
What a wonderful opportunity to teach your child acceptance. The world is made up of many, many different people, who each have their own uniquenesses. The world is getting smaller and our children are being exposed to many cultures and lifestyles that were unheard of when we were growing up. They will all eventually be working together in society and will need to know how to respect those around them even if they are different or make different choices than the would. I would worry more about what I would be teaching my child by pulling her out of the class than by her teacher having a tatoo. Give the teacher a chance to do what she is there to do I'm sure you will all learn from eachother this year. Best wishes.
Although teachers can wear sandals and flip flops, most schools don't allow visible tattoos. I would think during school hours she would have to wear shoes that cover it up. My husband and I don't have tattoos, nor do we ever intend to get any. We do, however, have a lot of friends and family that have made that choice. Of course my kids see them. I just explain to them that they look okay on some people, but my views on them for myself are not so good. It is a choice. All you can do is teach your kids and pray they make good decisions. I'm open enough with mine to go ahead and say that I hope and pray that they wouldn't scar their bodies with such nonsense. Maybe they'll listen :) I really don't think that her seeing a tattoo on her teacher will even phase her, due to the prominence of them in society anyway. She's still little. She'll agree with your views on them right now because you're Mommy. I wouldn't worry about it enough to change teachers. She might be the best role model in the world for your little girl. A tattoo doesn't change her heart. Good luck!
Jonie
http://jonie.yoursmh.com
IC
1 Samuel 16:7(b)
We go to a very young church and the majority of the youth ministry volunteers are college aged. So we have teachers with tatoos/nose rings/dreed-locks etc teaching my 7 and 5 year olds. They are so great with the kids. I love the fact that my kids see goldy people in that cultural context.
What are your concerns or fears of a teacher with a tatoo? What will happen if your daughter see the tatoo? Or admires the tatoo?
Hope that helps.
totally think you are over reacting.
who are you to judge someone's character by a piece of art she has chosen to identify herself with?
why don't you wait and learn about the person rather than be so judgemental about a tiny tatoo she has on her foot?
it's not like she has them all over her boday. if that day comes, then you might want to re-think.
you might share w/ your child that everyone in america has the right to be an individual and express themselves, where in other countries they don't have that luxury.
I am sure at one point... Women with pierced ears were seen in the same way. Though I do not have tatoos nor would I choose to have one I believe that it IS a personal choice and says nothing about the quality or lack of quality of the individual teaching your child. Many more people have tatoos than did 10 years ago. If your daughter notices it I would explain that people make that choice. Just like they choose to pierce their ears or for that matter - wear make up. It is an enhancement people make to enhance what they view as beauty. Diversity is good. Sometimes it makes us uncomfortable because it is different than us but it allows us to reflect on the importance of acceptance. Best of luck to you and your your daughter this year. I hope the teacher ends up being the best teacher ever!
Simply,
Cami
First of all, I do have a tatoo on my ankle. that said, I am a first grade teacher and have my own first grade daughter across the hall. Last year, my tatoo was visible and not one child or parent ever said a word about it. Well, this year, new principal, and my tatoo will have to covered with long pants every day. As a teacher with kids from a mixed background, I have to be aware and respectful of the beliefs of the parents. Most schools have a no tatoo policy out of this respect and concern. You could just check with your office and see if your school has a policy on it. Just asking might prompt the administration to "remind" staff that covering tatoos while at work is part of the professional dress code.
I agree with you. It would bother me too. I wish these teachers would think of these things before getting one that is visible by the children. I think the schools should have a dress code for their teachers which includes no visible tatoo.
I think you are over reacting quite a bit. Unless you have sheltered your daughter and NEVER let her out of the house or see other people, I'm almost certain that she has seen someone with a tattoo. Probably at the grocery store, mall, or a park. Tattoos are not a sign of a bad teacher or person. Role models come in all shapes, sizes, and looks. What's more important than her tattoo is her attitude towards the kids. The kids are not likely to be staring at her feet anyway. If it's only 3 inches long, they may not even see it unless she is standing right next to them and sticking her foot on their desk to show it off.
BTW, I do not have any tattoos, but both of my brothers do as well as a couple of my sisters-in-law. They were good role models before they got the tattoos, and getting the tats didn't change that status. I think tats look really nice on other people, but it's not something I want on me.
Yep, you've lost perspective. :) I think I would feel exactly the same way if this were my child's teacher, with exactly your reasoning, but it's definitely not worth a teacher change. Definitely use this as a learning experience, but tread lightly, b/c you want to express to your dd your values without lessening her teacher in her eyes.
Save your freak-outs for the really important issues! :) Have a great school year!
I think it's unprofessional. She obviously chose this spot on her body so that she could easily conceal it. So why not do just that?
If she were in any one of a zillion other professions I wouldn't bat an eye. But a teacher?
I guess I'm old fashioned too.
:-)
I get it. I'm opposed to tattoos as well. It's a hard situation for you, I know. But I wouldnt change my child's teacher over it.
I'm opposed to a lot of things - things that several beloved family members do. I've told my kids that "so and so does that, but we don't. Mommy and Daddy believe that it's the wrong choice for OUR family." The kids say, "So, they're bad?" We respond, "No, they're not bad, they just made a choice that we don't agree with. That happens a lot in life. We all get to make our own decisions. Sometimes they're good decisions, and sometimes they're not."
It'll be a good opportunity for you to have that conversation because it's going to happen over and over again in life about different things.
Good luck!