Gender issues underlie numerous classroom activities, and unstructured language-learning activities may actually encourage children to reproduce gender stereotypes--yet teachers have differing views of the position they should take in this matter. This Digest presents an overview of various perspectives on the teacher's role in addressing gender-related issues in the classroom. The Digest first outlines and discusses four differing positions among educators about the role they should play in the development of their students' gender roles. Next, it outlines the debate regarding gender equity versus gender equality. Finally, the Digest reports on research showing that teachers agree in general on the need for implementing gender-fair strategies, yet feel uncomfortable actively addressing gender issues in their classrooms. Contains 10 references. (SR)