Wed, Nov 19 2008
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Published October 14, 2008 11:07 pm - If his future employer won’t allow Glenn Landberg’s arm tattoo to show, he’s not interested in the job, he said. Landberg, a sophomore communication major at Missouri Southern State University who wants to be a photojournalist, said he thinks as long as tattoos are not gaudy or offensive, they should be allowed to show in any job — including teaching. Teachers’ individuality, status as role models both cited as important By Melissa Dunson
mdunson@joplinglobe.com If his future employer won’t allow Glenn Landberg’s arm tattoo to show, he’s not interested in the job, he said. Landberg, a sophomore communication major at Missouri Southern State University who wants to be a photojournalist, said he thinks as long as tattoos are not gaudy or offensive, they should be allowed to show in any job — including teaching. “I’m even fine with (the tattoo) hanging out,” Landberg said. “I think it’s totally fine. I learned from my teachers, but I don’t know if I let them influence me like that.” But Rozanne Sparks, director of teacher education at Pittsburg (Kan.) State University, said teachers have extraordinary influence and therefore are held to a higher standard in their appearance. “Teachers live in a glass house, and you can’t do (certain) things because it’s about being a role model,” Sparks said. Joplin R-8 Superintendent C.J. Huff said that more than one person has raised the question of teacher tattoos with district administrators. Huff said it could become more of an issue as the district hires young teachers from a generation that is typically more comfortable with tattoos. In her work, Sparks teaches students how to become teachers who mold the lives of youths. She said PSU’s education program doesn’t have rules about tattoos, piercings and other body modification while students take classes, but those future teachers hear about the importance of appearance and professionalism beginning in their first semester. Sparks said that in many school districts, tattoos and piercings are not seen as professional. When PSU student teachers are placed in surrounding districts for their final semester, she said, they are expected to follow the district’s policy. If they don’t, the district can terminate that relationship. Cory Sheppard, owner of Punkteur tattoo shop in Joplin, sees both sides of the issue. “I’m an activist for tattoos,” he said. “I think they’re great and everybody should have them, but school is important, and I wouldn’t want my teachers to tattoo their faces. Teachers are going to set an example.” But Sheppard also said tattoos demonstrate individuality, something he said teachers also should exhibit. He said much of the trepidation about tattoos is based on an old stereotype of what kind of people get tattoos. He said that in the two years since Oklahoma repealed its law banning tattoos, they have become even more popular across the nation, particularly with young professionals. 
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