Mr. Reaves, substitute teacher.

[Literary X]

I am a college student majoring in Early Childhood Education. This year I would like to be a substitute teacher, and I want my students to call me "Mr." The problem is that I'm pre-everything, and I unfortunately look very, VERY female. I also live in a fundamentalist Christian town in the south, so I'm fairly certain a lot of parents will have a problem with me. I'm dying to sub, but not as a female. Would it be wrong of me or too much to ask my students to call me "Mr.?"

[suzifrommd]

School environments are very sensitive places. (I teach in a high school). I had to jump through all sorts of hoops when I transitioned to make sure all the officials were onboard with it. And I live in a place where discrimination against transgender people is illegal.

I would hold off on asking to be called Mr. until I was presenting male full-time.

Just my opinion.

[Jessica Merriman]

I agree with Suzi. I also think it is reckless to go into a situation like the one you described. If you were presenting you may have some issue's, but if you are not you will definitely cause an uproar. People have the right to live like they want to, but on the other hand be smart about it. There is no reason at all to place a huge spotlight on yourself knowing what kind of environment it is.

[Spicy]

I hear you about wanting to be called the correct honorific. In my school district it is cultural for the students to refer to their teacher as only Miss and Mister without using their last name (as in Mister, help!).

I feel like my principal would support me if I asked to be recognized by a different title. But that comes from seeing her support other LGB teachers in the school. Your situation seems more challenging because you don't know much about the school's culture. Also, if you are a district wide substitute, you would have to have a conversation with several administrators.

I know my therapist works with other teachers who transitioned on the job. If you have a therapist you could ask if they know of any other teachers nearby. Maybe those teachers would be willing to reach out to you.