Myths or facts about preschool and kindergarten male teachers: Perceptions from Chinese and Taiwanese parents

The media often portrays male teachers as positive role models but also as potential child abusers and less capable of teaching and sensitive and caring to children's needs. The purpose of this study was to confirm whether these views are facts or myths. This study utilized qualitative methods of interview from fifty-five Chinese and Taiwanese parents living in Southern California of the United States. Three myths were shattered and one fact was confirmed. The analysis showed that parents perceived male early childhood education (ECE) teachers were just as caring to children as female ECE teachers were. In addition, parents felt male and female ECE teachers as equally sensitive in their students' learning and physical needs. Lastly, it confirmed that parents believed both male and female ECE educators were good role models for children.