https://www.reddit.com/r/casualiama/comments/3bwlk8/iama_male_head_start_teacher_ama/
created by damididit on 02/07/2015 at 19:19 UTC*
54 upvotes, 12 top-level comments (showing 12)
So I posted earlier this afternoon in R/Iama and then the sub "experimented some...techmological...differences?" Decided to come here instead. Quick description below:
So I teach a Head Start[1] classroom in a Title 1 elementary school in one of the biggest counties in the US. Of the ~70 Head Start classrooms in our county, I am the only male teacher (there are 2 male assistants teaching in the program as well). Ask me anything about my experiences working as a male in a predominately female program, my views/thoughts on education in general, or whatever else!
1: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohs
EDIT - Heading out for a few hours. Don't let that stop you from leaving more questions! I'll be happy to answer them once I get back
EDIT2 - Back and catching up on answers; will be around a bit longer before turning in for the night
EDIT3 - thanks all for your questions and support! I'm calling it a night. More questions are OK by me, I just might take a little while to get back to you :)
Comment by jakeinator21 at 02/07/2015 at 21:01 UTC
6 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Glad to see you made it over here, not sure why I didn't suggest this sub when I saw your comment in /r/outoftheloop.
What is your favorite candy bar?
Comment by cdawgtv2 at 02/07/2015 at 20:37 UTC
5 upvotes, 1 direct replies
What goes on during an average school day? Anything significantly different from other preschools?
Comment by PM_ME_UR_OBSIDIAN at 02/07/2015 at 21:15 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
How stressful is it?
Comment by cl3ft at 02/07/2015 at 19:45 UTC
6 upvotes, 1 direct replies
It seems the demographic has changed[1].
Comment by pokemaugn at 02/07/2015 at 21:24 UTC
3 upvotes, 1 direct replies
1. What's your favorite sort of activity/lesson to do with the kids?
2. What learning style do you think the children are most respondent to?
3. What can you do for children with behavioral issues and/or learning disabilities (especially considering how young they are)
4. Have you seen any sort of noticeable difference between children from lower income families vs those from families with higher income?
5. What would you say to someone who believes that preschool is more of a "daycare" than an actual educational environment? (I don't think that ofc!)
6. Have you faced any discrimination because of your gender? In what ways have you noticed children/parents/coworkers treating you differently, if any?
Comment by SovietWarfare at 02/07/2015 at 20:02 UTC
6 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Do you enjoy what you do?
Comment by spyder173 at 02/07/2015 at 21:59 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Being one of the few males, do you ever worry parents will treat you different from the other teachers?
Comment by saatana at 02/07/2015 at 23:06 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Do you have small animals like hamsters or fish in your class?
Do you ever see a kid so far ahead that you'd recommend they skip a grade?
Is summer mostly goofing off because there is no school?
Comment by asatroth at 02/07/2015 at 20:12 UTC
4 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I had never heard of Head Start schools before this, can you explain the basic mission statement/purpose of them?
Comment by lovetoujours at 02/07/2015 at 23:29 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
How did you get interested in doing Head Start?
Comment by asatroth at 03/07/2015 at 00:04 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I just got a job teaching swim lessons, and had to work with a really shy kid today. Do you have any tips for working with shy preschool age kids?
Comment by apoliticalinactivist at 06/07/2015 at 16:58 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Just dropping by in support of you, your job, and this AMA.
In my education up to to high school, I'm pretty sure I had two straight male teachers, none in elementary. It was definitely important to have male role models in my life, as my father and uncles were not exactly the most affectionate/nurturing people.
Gaybros are cool and all, but I could sense that there was something "different" in how they were treated by other adults, which hopefully is less of an issue now.
Lastly, a question:
As I city kid, it blew my mind when I went camping for the first time in the 5th grade, so have you noticed a difference in city/rural kids and are there field trips to get outdoor experience and more exercise?