Are pre-k teachers "real" teachers? **READ**

So in light of Teacher Appreciation week, I've heard a lot of conversation that's caused me to make this poll. Currently, I am a pre-k teacher with a class of 17, 4 year olds. My school serves Pre-k through 12th grade and is a private school. Anyways, during teacher appreciation week I have received TONS of gifts and our school has hosted tons of fun events for us. Someone commented on my Facebook asking me if I teach and I said, "Oh just preschool." My husband was confused and was like, "Why specify? You teach. You're a teacher." I guess I feel like people will think I'm misleading them somehow. But then this sparked the conversation of preschool teachers being "real" teachers. What do you think? If someone said they were a teacher when they were only a preschool teacher would you find that to be misleading? Keep in mind that preschool teachers don't need a teaching license, but many (not all) schools do require/prefer a degree. Do you think preschool teachers should get the same benefits and perks that K-12 teachers do? Do you see them as equals or do you view teaching preschool as more of an entry level job? No hard feelings, I'm just genuinely curious after having this conversation with my husband.