I am going back to school to get an elementary teaching certificate. I currently work in accounting and have a business degree but through years of volunteer work with Junior Achivement feel that teaching is my calling. I found a great accelerated program and looking forward to changing to a more rewarding career. I know male elementary teachers are rare and my advisor has told me I will have no problem getting a job if I come out of the program with the needed skills and great portfolio.

My question is to any male teachers out there or any female teachers out there who have worked with males, what are the biggest obstacles you see me facing when I do begin to teach? Are the female teachers accepting of a male? What is the work environment like in a female dominated setting? How do parents react when their child has a male teacher? Any and all answers, suggestions, opinions would be appreciated. I don’t even know a male elementary teacher that I can ask personally.

Thanks.

Chad