10.17.2010

Rooster.

Apparently, being a male kindergarten teacher is a bit of an anomaly. I know, I know… men don’t usually work with the little ones. In my school, I’m the only man in kindergarten. There are no males in first or second grade either. You have to reach the realms of third grade before getting a teacher with a little testosterone. One of the unique aspects of working with young children is, by default, I work almost exclusively with women.

One of the questions I get asked most is, just how is it working with only ladies all day long? To be fair, before I began teaming with Mrs. D. this year, I really worked with myself all day long. Teaching, no matter your gender, is a profession usually void of a lot of adult contact… something I’m fine with.

As for the rest of the ladies I’m surrounded by, I’d say for the most part, they are respectful and supportive. There are always those that appear to be less than friendly and helpful, but I don’t think being a man has anything to do with it… they don’t discriminate in their impoliteness. I’m lucky to have a small group of friends who have literally lifted me up at times. I try and remember to tell them all how wonderful they are, but I’m sure I don’t do it enough.

The teacher’s room can be a dangerous place for a man at lunchtime. I’ve heard and learned more about pregnancy and birth than I ever cared to know. I’ve seen more ultra-sound photographs than an ultrasonographer (for the record, no I can’t see the baby, they all like a cross between a peanut and a squirrel to me).

I’ve been to enough wedding and baby showers to make a small dent in my bank account. Apparently you are not supposed to dig into the food until the guest of honor arrives, something I learned the hard way. The good news is there’s almost always cake and enough frosting can make almost anything bearable… even the sight of twenty women ‘oooohing’ and ‘aaaaahing’ over tiny baby clothes.

Being a rooster among hens isn’t as glorious as it sounds. Thankfully, most of the ladies I’m surrounded by help make my job easier (Mrs. D., Ms. R., Miss M., Mrs. F. – you all make coming to work a joy). And let’s not forget the kids. The little smiles and hugs can sometimes literally propel me through a bad day. When a small sprout looks up at me and says, “I love school and I love you!” it puts it all into perspective.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

I love this!!! I hope your year is going well:)

BK said...

"Teaching, no matter your gender, is a profession usually void of a lot of adult contact… something I’m fine with."

Yep. I get into my room with the kids and it's just learning time. None of the other drama from the school comes into my classroom. I love it that way.

The minute you bring in the politics and garbage of all school, it goes down hill. Let's just teach and learn!!!

Miss Farah said...

Teaching is a very honorable job no matter what gender you are...I love my job and what's great about it is that you always feel that you made a difference in teaching new generations every year... You're doing well keep it up :)

Scott said...

I know just what you mean. As a man in the early childhood field, I've heard just about every pregnancy story there is. And that's okay. I'm glad to be included as part of the group. (And I'll never forget the surprise of some teachers that I knew how to change a diaper!)

Megan Roberts said...

Even as a female, I also don't understand the over-the-top reactions to baby clothes. Must be a sign I am not ready to procreate.

MrsKP said...

Your posts seem a little sad lately. Prayers for whatever you are going through... I can only imagine the difficulties you face being a male kindergarten teacher. I admire your commitment to remaining positive and your focus on what's important - the kids. Best of luck!

Crystal said...

I always feel sympathy for the male teachers at my school, especially when a staff meeting drags on or gets all dramatic because we women talk so much!

Pancakes For Recess said...

Well said! You roosters are a rare commodity among the younger grades. Thank you for being there:)

Anonymous said...

My favourite memories of school is my kindergarten teacher Mr.Rose. I think it is great you go against the grain and continue to teach younger children.