Two aspects of preschool teaching, teacher role and teacher style, are discussed in this paper. Teacher role refers to a teacher's behavior concerning the duties, responsibilities, and functions expected of the teacher by her clients and herself. Teacher style refers to the way in which individual teachers perform their roles. Teachers have had three basic role models: (1) maternal: keep children safe and busy, (2) therapeutic: help children express feelings and reduce tensions, and (3) instructional: transmit knowledge. The author predicts the instructional model is "in", but will meet resistance because of these limitations: (1) Academic and intellectual goals are confused, (2) Important teaching style elements (flexibility, warmth, enjoyment, and encouragement) have been neglected, and (3) The relationships between teachers and clients, particularly parents, have not been stressed. A new definition of the instructional role is needed. Current limited knowledge suggests role models may not be as important as individual teaching styles. (DO)