Thanks guys. Slice, I'm in total agreement that a big beard can look as professional as anything - but it's the opinions of the less enlightened that might ultimately be the problem. My current philosophy, though, is that I wouldn't want to work for a school who would pass over a potentially good teacher on such a shallow basis anyway (let's hope I don't have to eat my words on this one). I would also argue that children (young children anyway) are generally quite accepting of difference and that this attitude should be cultivated and encouraged.

Jasjes, I don't think I've managed to scare any children with my beard yet, but perhaps that in itself is a goal to aspire to! Most kids don't even comment, and those who do are usually just curious - the usual 'why' questions! Again I'm talking about younger children, who haven't yet learned to hate difference. It'll be interesting to see if that changes with a longer beard.

On a side note, just noticed the last few days how the beard's starting to lay flatter now that it's growing past where I usually trim it to. The curlier ones don't stick out so much as they used to. So bigger = neater. Fact.