Think I could get away with this?

I'm 26, and for as long as I can remember, I've been DYING to get my nose pierced.

Can I get away with a small, hardly noticeable stud as a teacher?

I should also add that I'll be moving to NC, I'm wondering if that's better (they wear jeans to school all the time) or worse (Bible Belt!)

What do you guys think?

Re: Think I could get away with this?

IMO.....I would say "no", but that is just me.

Re: Think I could get away with this?

Nope, I wouldn't do it... not until you at least have tenure and especially if you are elementary school. I think they expect candidates to be even more conservative.

We have an art teacher in my building who now has tenure and has been there for about 7 years. He has a lot of tattoos and some piercings, including one he used to have on his chin. However, you only saw the tats, and he only got pierced, AFTER he received tenure. He'll now dress in shorter sleeved shirts and a lot more casually so you often see his tats but those first few years, every day it was a starched shirt and tie. We kid him about those days now. I've asked him, "do you even own a tie anymore? " BTW: The kids love him and he is very talented but I doubt he would have been hired if they knew about the tats.

Re: Think I could get away with this?

My friend has her nose pierced and teaches 4th grade in the city. For some reason I would say it is more acceptable in the city than on LI., just because there is more diversity in the city and people seem to be more open. I know it wouldn't go over well in my school.

Re: Think I could get away with this?

the teachers in my school take them out. even the guys who have earrings take them out during the school day.

Re: Think I could get away with this?

I don't recommend it but I have 2 collegues here in my school who have recently done it and no one said anything to them. They are veteran teachers.

Re: Think I could get away with this?

I definitely would not do it! The competition for teaching jobs is tough enough, I wouldn't give a district any reason to not hire you.

Re: Think I could get away with this?

Hey Beth

I'd recommend waiting until you get there and get settled in the school district to see what the social climate is like - how casual they are with appearances in general and whether or not it'd be okay. Also, keep in mind that you want the parents to perceive you as a professional, and you'll be new there so they may judge. Or, you could always do it now and just think about taking it out when you move!

Re: Think I could get away with this?

i would so go for it - there are soooo many teachers in my building with their nose pierced