It’s frustrating to see younger, good-looking teachers get more positive attention, even if they’re not the best educators. It seems like looks will always matter more than experience or talent. Do you think your attractiveness (or being unattractive) affects how much support or attention teachers get?

I’ve never personally experienced that. If you or anyone feels like they are lacking support and there is a possibility to actually get it, I would be having those conversations. Appearance can impact our lives, I’m not going to say it doesn’t, however I can’t really say it has for me.

Pretty privilege is a real thing, but I don't actually feel like my career has been very impacted by this at all. If anything, it's life outside of work that has been way more impacted by appearances. Work is a place where I feel more valued for my intelligence and character

If my "attractiveness" affected my career in any way at all, I'd never work again.

Is this a serious question?

I totally get the frustration. At the end of the day though, your ability to connect and teach effectively speaks louder than looks.

No, not at all! Never thought someone’s looks (attraction wise) had any connection to the amount of support they get or don’t get as an educator.

There is no doubt that physical attractiveness impacts almost everyone in their careers in some way. It isn't limited to teaching. However, that effect is greatest when you first meet someone. The more people get to know you, the more your skills and personality take over that first impression.

Focusing on life's injustices is a self-defeating exercise. Focus on the things you can do and be positive. If you work in an environment that doesn't reward excellence, find a school that does.

While I will agree that this sort of thing happens in every industry, it’s not ALWAYS the case. Sometimes it’s even the opposite. As an example, the administration of the district I previously worked in didn’t provide support for ANY teachers at all! I’m like, INCREDIBLY good-looking and they didn’t treat me any better than anyone else. Talk about frustrating!!

Support, it sure as hell shouldn't but probably does, although not significantly by anyone who even pretends to be a professional. Attention from students definitely. Young attractive teachers get lots of the classroom "T" about them. Never had to worry about that too much. I was young...........full stop. :)

I haven’t had any problems or anxiety about this, but ageism does exist. At 62, I imagine it would be difficult to find another job. Fortunately, I work at a good school, and I shave my head to keep those grays hairs away! lol

I have noticed that only teachers hired "in-process" are attractive young women. In this case, in process means that they are rated as a classroom teacher while they do not have their Bachelor's Degree or teaching credential, but are working toward getting them.

As an unattractive man, I never even got to an interview before I had my Master's Degree.

All joking aside, sometimes there are just truths in life that don’t constitute discrimination, or a certain brand of “privilege.” Some people are more attractive than others. I got really comfortable with that fact many years ago. I’m not making the cover of any magazines, with the possible exception of “MAD.” So be it. Develop a personality. A sense of humor doesn’t hurt either. If a teacher isn’t getting support from his or her administration, I would bet at least my supplemental stipends that it has nothing to do with how cute you are…or aren’t.

Other side of the coin- I don’t know if attractiveness or perceived attractiveness is necessarily a perk or a bonus. People don’t always take you seriously when you’re attractive and tend to over look or ignore your talent, skills and experience. It can get old, so I hear

I personally was fired because of my attractiveness. And I was just a substitute a very good one I might add. I subbed for pennies and I have a Masters degree in higher education. They took one look called the services they used for subs and they termed me because I gave them the hobby jibbies when all I was doing was trying to calm down. After a employee told me I couldn't park in a handicap spot because that was the principal parking when I return to my car to go home 5 mins later I looked at the principal car and well she had no handicap tag or plaque

That is because the agency told me. And I disagreed when I could name off numerous schools that wanted me not anyone else because the students like to be familiar with the teachers and subs and not having that safety net does cause behavioral issues

Absolutely not! I think being young and pretty can get you less respect. Teaching is a demanding and unglamorous profession. Pharmaceutical sales or broadcasting require beauty. Teaching requires a brain and a heart.