To the editor:

A few years back, I was the subject of a piece very similar to Monday’s story about the lack of male teachers at the elementary level. I am disappointed by this article’s lack of encouragement to men who might be interested in teaching younger children.

I spent 31 years teaching preschool and kindergarten in Lawrence and have a hard time imagining a more rewarding career. I would like to extend my own invitation to men: If you want to influence young people, help society, work with parents and make an adequate living, consider becoming an elementary school teacher. The boys and girls of America need to have both men and women as role models.

One of the many reasons I decided to teach young children is that I wanted to help break down preconceptions about gender roles. This article demonstrates that the same sad, old stereotypes still exist. There is still work to be done.

Bob Lominska,

Lawrence