Today I had an interesting conversation on social media about the correlation between tattoos and piercings and a lack of professionalism in the workplace, specifically in the education field.  Let me begin by saying that I have both tattoos and piercings and have been an educator for the past thirteen years.  Of those years, I have always been regarded as an exemplary teacher by my supervisors as well as my colleagues.  The way that I choose to express myself has never been an issue nor has it impeded me from being a true professional.     Frankly, I take offense to statements that suggest that people with tattoos or piercings are inappropriate or unprofessional.  My excellence as a teacher should not depend on how I look or what I'm wearing.  As a matter of fact, some of the least qualified or unprepared educators that I have encountered throughout my career had neither tattoos or piercings so what does that say?  The way that I choose to express myself or my individuality does … [Read more...]