Atlanta Teacher Goes Viral After Controversial Picture

A photo of Atlanta Teacher Patrice Brown went viral last week after being uploaded with the caption #teacherbae.

You may have heard of #teacherbae, A.K.A Patrice Brown, but in case you haven't, here's a picture of her.

@triceyl__ / Via Instagram.com

Patrice Brown is a paraprofessional employee in the district of Atlanta, Georgia. She works with fourth graders in Atlanta schools and graduated from Alabama State University in 2012. She was named Educator of the Year in her district and runs Summer Tutoring Lessons for grades kindergarten through fifth. She has even paid for one of her students to take piano lessons.

@triceyl__ / Via Instagram.com

After uploading a picture of this outfit to her instagram, she sparked controversy. Many people disagreed with the fact that a paraprofessional like Ms. Brown here was wearing the kind of dress featured above while working with young children. Others argue that what she is wearing is acceptable and she has a naturally curvy body type that will be noticeable, no matter what she wears.

Some defended Brown, saying that she was sexualized for her natural body type. Others were quick to point out her dedication to her job.

#BLACKLIVESMATTER @BlackDynamiteJC

If a Black woman has a curvy body she's immediately judged and sexualized for something she has no control over #teacherbae

05:21 PM - 12 Sep 2016

@BlackDynamiteJC / Via Twitter.com

Leo Madara @ItsLeoJ

The side of #teacherbae the media won't show you

06:58 PM - 12 Sep 2016

@ItsLeoJ / Via Twitter.com

Erika ☼ Hansen @erikahans_n

I see no cleavage, hem to the knee - looks like what we are really criticizing is a body shape 🤔🤔🤔 #teacherbae https://t.co/ZYfPO3mhSK

08:37 PM - 12 Sep 2016

@erikahans_n / Via Twitter.com

Others were more inclined to think that young boys in the class or their parents might sexualize her, while others simply thought her outfits were too inappropriate for class.

El Flaco @bomani_jones

my favorite part of the #teacherbae discussion? those saying 3rd grade boys don’t look at their teachers *like that*.” uh, yes they do.

02:26 PM - 12 Sep 2016

@bohami_jones / Via Twitter.com

DariaPizzuto @DariaPizzuto

As a teacher to a teacher: forgive me, this dress is NOT ok to wear while teaching your students #TeacherBae #edchat https://t.co/Qf15Jcs7k3

05:48 PM - 17 Sep 2016

@dariapizzuto / Via Twitter.com

ramel @itsRamel

Some of #TeacherBae parents gon be looking at her at report card pick-up like..

05:13 PM - 14 Sep 2016

@itsramel / Via Twitter.com