I think it just depends

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I think it just depends
By Eilene

on what area of the country and what kind of school system you are working in. The thing to remember, I think, is that no matter what the age of your students you are their role model. You have a powerful influence on those
you teach. The question that would be in my mind is are you working in an area where the parents and the other teachers would be okay with your students wanting to grow up with tatoos and multiple ear pierces. Personally it wouldn't bother me if my children's role model had multiple ear pierces. The tatoo might or might not (I've never had to think it over so carefully so I don't

know). But, in my school system I doubt that multiple ear pierces, much less tatoos, would be looked upon favorably. My point is not "give in to whatever the parents want" or even "give in to the sentiments of your school and/or community", but more realize that you are a big influence in these kids lives. If you are influencing them that these things are ok and their parents think they are not ok then that is going to cause friction and hence the snide remarks. In any case it is worth thinking about and remembering that things that don't normally "make a statement" really do when you're a teacher because of the influence you have.