I'm feeing stressed at work?

Question

I just started a new job teaching preschool. My lead teacher is 24 and just graduated from college. My degree isn't in Early Childhood Ed so that's why she's got the classroom. I'm ok with that. I'm 41, by the way and one of the few men in this field. I really enjoy working with little kids. I work with this young teacher and another woman about my age. Since we started 3 weeks ago, I feel that anything I say or do is under a microscope. They disagree with me, inform me of things I'm already aware of, tell me what I can and can't do, criticize how I am on the playground (I am always playing with the kids), give me all the menial jobs, and basically treat me like the red headed stepchild. I have several years of experience in the classroom so I know what I am doing. Since I've started working there I always end up feeling worthless at the end of the day and I am so anxious about it I have become angry and I feel like quitting. I've got these two browbeating women on my butt all the time and I feel like I'm in a hole I can't get out of. I feel like if I say something to our supervisor it will only make things worse. Some encouraging advice would be good. Thanks.

Answer 1

they are intimidated by you and want to put you in your place.  how sad.  they don't like it that you play with the kids on the playground (they probably just sit.  i would ask for a counseling session with them and your director so that you all hear the same thing at the same time.  maybe this would get things out on the table and issues can be resolved.

good luck and hang in there.

Answer 2

Accidentally on purpose e-mail this to your supervisor.If you feel like you can't communicate like this or any other way, perhaps you'd be more useful somewhere else.Cause obviously to them you are not there.You don't need that kind of pressure in your life and if it were me I'd want to be where I'm wanted.In the meantime, look for another position somewhere else.Just don't tell them, until you have another position lined up.They won't appreciate you any way.

Answer 3

As a director of preschool services, I commend you, as a man, to be working in the ECE field.  So many kids do not have a male figure at home and need to have positive male role models.  With the kids, be yourself.  They need to have someone playing with them on the playground and in the classroom.  This is extremely important.  By playing with them, you are showing them that you care about them.

With your co-workers, they may be intimidated by you, as a man, working in a preschool setting.  Women can be funny.  They probably have never worked with a male in the classroom.  It is rare.  I have actually hired 5 men to work with our programs.  However, I have 72 women that work for me.  Small percentage!!!  The teacher may not know what to expect or understand why you chose this profession rather than teaching in a jr. hi. or high school where you can coach, etc. as a lot of young men do.

Ask the teacher to sit down with you and the other co-worker, now that school has started, to talk about how the school year is going so far.  Ask the teacher what her expectations are for you (she ultimately is responsible for what goes on in the classroom).  Communication between co-workers is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.   I have seen a lack of communication make a classroom a very difficult place to be for all involved, including the students.  Ask the teacher if there is anything else that you can do for the kids/classroom/her.  This will show her that you're #1 priority is helping the kids in the classroom.  She may have some good suggestions.  If it helps to open the door to this conversation, show her this response to your question/concern.  You should ALL have the same goals/priorities:  doing what is best for the students.  If this doesn't help, then go to the supervisor.  It is always best to TRY to handle it yourself first, before going to the next level.  This will show your supervisor that you are willing to work out the "issues" in the classroom.

Good Luck!!!  And Keep Your Head Up, the Kids Need You!!!

Answer 4

THEY ARE INTIMATED BY YOU!

and why not, the kids like you more than them.  that's the real test!  and that's kinda putting them in a bind since you're the new guy...and you're a man.

but i salute you, sir, because male teachers are rare.  my 2 boys really love their male teacher (their other two teachers are female) because he takes the time to rough house and horse around with them on the playground.  and kids love that.  they like seeing their teachers in a happier, more relaxed light that just during work period.

so keep your head high.  don't quit!

just keep up the good work and your supervisor is bound to notice you for your worthwhile service to the school --and might just fire the other 2 teachers, hehe.

bravo!

Answer 5

you may have to just say something to your supervisor anyway.

I do a similar job,except with special needs kids. We have 3 new assistants,and 2 of  them try to undermind our lead teacher. Shes really good and it bothers me,so we have decided to have a mtg one day after the kids leave.

I wish you luck...its nice to see a male in the teaching profession! *hugs*

Answer 6

Salutations,

you are in a position I found myself in for many years. I was in healthcare, and I was almost always the token male. You can try to deal with it and hope it gets better, and you can talk to your supervisor, but first you have to make ms. high and mighty see your side. I would definitly have a talk with her. you did this while she was learning therory. you have experiences that given to her, will make her a better educator, but as a person who has been there, I wound't hold my breath. I wish I could be more encouraging, but I won't lie to you. Good luck and take care. Cheers