Former male preschool teacher here. This topic has me shook to my core. Can't believe all the sexist hate, or can I? What I will say is that parents of my students have been nothing but supportive of me. No one ever made me feel like I couldn't do anything that a female could in preschool. However, being the unicorn is NOT fun. It's definitely not the same type of thing as being the only female in an organization, but preschool has a BIG gender problem. It is glaringly bad, everywhere you go.

I'm a male preschool teacher, and I'm pretty sure I'm by far the most developmentally appropriate teacher in my school, as well as the only one who discusses art on a daily basis, brings real (i.e., my personal) music instruments into the classroom for the kids to use, teaches them song after song, focuses to a high degree on a sense of community, takes them out every day of the school year within our weather restrictions, and so on. Parents who write me off because I don't have breasts are really missing out.

I wouldn't be ok with it. Sexist but oh well. It's my kid.

OP, I wouldn't like it. I know peers who were abused back in high school. None of us imagined such a thing could happen. I'm super wary of male teachers as a result. May not be rational, but I'd rather be politically incorrect than ever put my child in jeopardy.

Plus that Beauvoir Eric Toth thing continues to freak me out. And the Oyster teacher of the year who abused a student.

Anonymous wrote:I have absolutely no problem with male preschool teachers for my daughter or my son. At our school, the male teachers are not allowed to change diapers or accompany children to the bathroom because the directors want to protect those teachers from any possibility of future allegations. While it's sad that this must be done, I understand their thinking and appreciate that they are looking out for the teachers.

That is sad. At our daycare/preschool there is only one male teacher and he is with the oldest kids. I always kind of wondered if this is on purpose for some reason. By all accounts he is a fantastic teacher; I really hope he's still there in a couple years when DS is old enough for his class.

When I was a kid I did not have a male teacher until third grade! Then had men for homeroom/primary teachers for third, fourth, and fifth grades. But looking at the school now -- my mom teaches there so I keep in touch -- they have almost no male teachers under middle school (sixth grade). Some of the same teachers I had are still there, but they've moved up to teach older kids. They must be getting on so perhaps they just don't want to chase young kids around, but maybe there's something else going on too. I think it's a shame. Obviously I want the best teachers for my kids regardless of gender, but assuming most of the teachers are going to be on par, I would also like to see both sexes.

I have absolutely no problem with male preschool teachers for my daughter or my son. At our school, the male teachers are not allowed to change diapers or accompany children to the bathroom because the directors want to protect those teachers from any possibility of future allegations. While it's sad that this must be done, I understand their thinking and appreciate that they are looking out for the teachers.

Anonymous wrote:I would love for my young child to have a male teacher or aide and don't see anything wrong with it. I love when men challenge stereotypes and show that males can be nurturing (or that women can be tough, into sports, etc.). But then again, her dad is a pediatrician.

Agreed.

It is fine!! I wish there were more males at the school I work at, and the school where I send my daughter!!

I would love for my young child to have a male teacher or aide and don't see anything wrong with it. I love when men challenge stereotypes and show that males can be nurturing (or that women can be tough, into sports, etc.). But then again, her dad is a pediatrician.

I think it's so important for children to see that men and women both can take the full spectrum of careers. My son had a male preschool teacher and he was fabulous. He taught the kids hockey and they ran around until they were sweaty and exhausted and bedtimes were a breeze! There was some parent concern at the beginning and then those parents who had raised a fuss were pretty embarrassed after they actually saw him with the kids.

Anonymous wrote:Would you be ok with your preschool aged daughter having a male teacher? I'm not sure why this is bothering me but it is. If your daughter has a male preschool teacher does the school have a policy on this person taking girls to the bathroom? My daughter would have one female and one male. Thanks.

Yes, 100% absolutely. My children had male preschool teachers. Shame on you for casting aspersions.

Our school has at least one male teacher in almost every grade, including PreK and K. It's great. The male PreK teacher has a brilliant understanding of child development and best practices in early education. The entire program is so much better with him in it.

OP -- my husband and i think it's odd.

This is crazy. I am almost surprised OP isn't concerned about a male teacher with a son, because clearly any male preschool teacher is gay and any gay person at a preschool is a pediphile.

And at our preschool there really isn't any bathroom privacy. There are three toilets next to each other and just small mid-length doors on either side. Most kids are independent when using the bathroom, but I think some still get an occasional help wiping.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a son. Is it a bad thing that he had female teachers since he was born, including changing his diaper. This is beyond stupid.

Well women aren't sexual perverts so..... I question any man.who.opts for a non traditional career. He must have ulterior motives.

What about male gyn or OB's? Breast surgeons?

Good point!!!!