The present study is centered on understanding the gender concepts teachers have, and the form in which their gender perspective is related to the way teachers of a Mexican Montessori elementary school interact with their students according to the child's gender in the early elementary school years. The type of messages teachers are sending to children when they are in the classroom in relation to the concepts of masculinity and feminity are discussed. The analysis is rooted in qualitative research methodology and the gender category. Gender is seen as a social phenomenon. / The paper deals with the work that has been done in gender and schools, especially related to the role teachers have when dealing with gender in the classroom. It discusses how a different method of education, in this case the Montessori method, differs from the traditional system of education when dealing with gender issues. / The way teachers deal with gender issues at school is deeply connected to the viewpoint of gender they have. The narratives of the teachers help us understand this relation. It is hoped that by examining their own practice toward gender issues teachers will take a first step towards a non-sexist education. It is true that the Montessori system breaks from many of the conventional gender-biased practices of traditional schools; even so, a total change cannot be seen until our own perspectives on gender evolve.

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