Should I say something about professional behavior?

Question

Last week many of the preschool teachers I work with were bragging about going to male strippers. When I came into work on Friday morning they all had to show me their tickets. All day long they talked about going to the strippers and one of them got into an arguement with her husband about it on her cell phone in the hallway. We didn't have kids that day so they didn't hear any of it, but still....I think that a place where we teach youngsters should demand a little more respect than their behavior. We have a staff meeting coming up and I'm thinking I should say something about it. What would you do?

I'm the only male teacher there, by the way. I have to say I felt very uncomfortable being around them.

Answer 1

I am a male preschool teacher.  I think that in our culture/society we , as men, are expected to behave like this.  When a woman does this its scandalous?  Of course, if the kids were around, this would be horribly inappropriate.  You seem very bothered about this, so you should voice that.  What everyone else here sees as OK for them might not be for you.  I do think that what a teacher does on "off" time is a private matter.  If the teachers that bring this up around you are causing you distress, get it out.  I caution you to not try to seek out morality standards from this post.  This is individual.  "Sunlight is the best disinfectant......."

Answer 2

It's good there were not any kids around, if they would have heard it and told there parents it probably would have came back to the school.  And been in the media too.

Anyway if it bothers you ... yeah you should bring it up.  And if it was the other way around where there was just one female in a job with a bunch of men that were talking like that don't you think something would be brought up about it... sure there would.

Go for it in a nice way.

Answer 3

Like most of the others who answered you, I don't think this should be discussed at a meeting with everyone present.

Mention it to the school director in private.  Let it be known that you aren't showing disapproval of how they spend their private time, but that you feel uncomfortable hearing them talk about certain things. Their behavior is very inconsiderate and the director shouldn't tolerate it.  Hopefully, the director will put a stop to it.

Answer 4

It's wonderful that you are one of the few male teachers in a preschool setting.  I find that males think differently that us women and it adds a different dimension to the program!  I can understand why you are uncomfortable...but yes, you should bring it up.  I would suggest you discuss it with your director first and let them bring it up...it's their responsibility.  Going the route of professionalism is your best bet...reminding them that people recognize them outside of the center and form opinions...even if it is on their own time...it is not good advertising for the preschool.  Good luck.

Answer 5

I am surprised that preschool teachers are behaving in such a manner. I always thought they portrayed a very prim and proper appearance. Exposing their activities in a staff meeting may turn your female coworkers against you. Talk to the principal about the behavior to avoid the embarrassment. It is nice to bring up something in a calm way rather then leaving it open for everyone to discuss.

Answer 6

I think you should say something, there's a place and a time for everything and a preschool is definitely not the place!

I work at a preschool and I wouldn't even think of talking about inappropriate things because of the role I have. Being an educator means that you have to be looked at as a model behavior, and that's definitely not appropriate!!

Do say something!!

Answer 7

I work in a preschool and I hear the staff talking about the most inappropriate things all the time. If I go out to the bar or whatever I keep it to myself because of where I work. But I would not bring it up at the staff meeting because people will hate you and think you are a jerk. The main thing is the children, do a good job with them and thats the only thing that matters.