Male Teachers: The Missing Piece in the Early Childhood Education Puzzle

"It's important for kids to see men and women both playing a big part in taking care of and teaching young children. That way, kids can figure out who they are and where they fit in the world.”

- Kirsten Cole, Manhattan Community College

Introduction:

Hey everyone! Let's dive into a topic that's been on my mind lately: the need for more male teachers in early childhood education. Recently, I came across a troubling Facebook post. A parent was scheduled to meet with the superintendent to discuss why having a male substitute teacher wouldn't be appropriate – according to the father, and that he was willing to pull his child out of the school, if there were a male teacher hired.  Despite the outcry from many who recognized the injustice of the situation, there were still voices echoing the sentiment that they would prefer not to have a male teacher caring for their child.  It's disheartening, but sadly not surprising, to learn that some parents are uncomfortable with the idea of a man taking care of their kids. But why is that? Let's explore."

Exploring History:

Did you know that in antiquity, the middle ages, and up until the mid-1800s in the United States, teachers were almost entirely men? It's true! Teaching was once seen as a noble profession, one that was dominated by men. Before the introduction of "Common Schools" in the late 1820s, nearly all teachers were men. However, with the advent of Common Schools, there arose a demand for a large number of inexpensive teachers, and women were recruited for the role, soon coming to dominate teaching. By the 1890s, more than two-thirds (68 percent) of all public school teachers were women. Fast forward to today, and the majority of teachers in preschools and primary schools continue to be women. So, what happened?

Understanding the Gender Gap:

Society has this funny way of associating certain roles with specific genders. We've come a long way, but there's still this lingering stereotype that caregiving roles are best suited for women. And let's not forget the uncomfortable whispers of men being potential predators. It's unfair and downright harmful.

I mean, come on, folks! Men are just as capable of being safe, nurturing and compassionate caregivers as women are.  Many of us have loving fathers and grandfathers and favorite uncles, this alone proves my case.

Addressing Misconceptions:

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the unfounded fear that men are more likely to be perpetrators of child abuse. I mean, seriously? It's time to end these harmful stereotypes once and for all. No one is saying that we should not be 'cautious' or 'conscientious' when looking for caregivers for our children. And yes, it is statistically true that abusers are largely male. However, we should not be so quick to assume that male teachers are 'creepy pervs' just waiting for an opportunity to pounce on our little girls and boys.

Let's face it, just as, contrary to popular belief, not every rose has thorns, not every male is a predator.

And let's talk about those parents who insist their kids can only connect with female teachers. Well, I've got news for you. My son, who happens to be my assistant teacher, is an absolute gem in the classroom. Kids adore him—he's often the one they excitedly look for as soon as they walk in. He has an amazing rapport with the children and can flip on a dime to handle most any situation.  (After all he IS  MY son. 😁)

Another shining example is my former coworker, Mr. Nick. He's a special education preschool teacher, and let me tell you, you won't find a more caring and nurturing teacher anywhere, regardless of gender.

And then there's Greg Smedley Warren of Kindergarten Smorgasboard. Just look at his website and see how he interacts with his students. His creativity and rapport with children are simply amazing. Not only that, but he also shares his teaching expertise through workshops and resources,  reaching teachers around the world.

I could go on, but let's be honest—name-dropping people that only I and my former coworkers know isn't going to change much. Suffice it to say, it's about time we challenge these outdated beliefs and recognize that male teachers can be just as nurturing and effective as their female counterparts.

Encouraging Change:

So, how do we change this mindset? It starts with education and awareness. We need to show parents and society as a whole that male teachers bring immense value to the table. Welcoming more men into early childhood education, allows our little ones to learn from both male and female teachers. You see, male teachers can be amazing role models for boys, often connecting with them in ways that women might not, and they're not shy about joining in the rough-and-tumble play that many boys enjoy (with safety and precaution of course). But it's not just about the boys—girls benefit too. Having a male teacher gives them a chance to get to know men outside their family, seeing them as positive role models, which helps them understand and relate to men better as they grow up.

Recruiting more men into the field means kids get to experience a wider range of approaches, different perspectives and ways of doing things. Kirsten Cole, a researcher at Borough of Manhattan Community College, puts it well: 'It's important for kids to see men and women both playing a big part in taking care of and teaching young children. That way, kids can figure out who they are and where they fit in the world.”  Let's celebrate the amazing male educators out there and encourage more men to pursue careers in early childhood education. It's time to level the playing field and give our children the diverse role models they deserve.

Here are some suggestions on how we can start a change:

Promote Awareness: Educate parents and communities about the importance and benefits of having male teachers in early childhood education. Highlight the positive impact male educators can have on children's development and promoting gender equality.

Challenge Stereotypes: Address traditional gender stereotypes and misconceptions about caregiving roles. Showcase successful male educators and their contributions to early childhood education to demonstrate that teaching is a rewarding and fulfilling career for men.

Provide Support: Offer mentoring programs, professional development opportunities, and resources to support male educators in their career paths. Create networks and support groups where male teachers can connect, share experiences, and access support.

Foster Inclusivity: Ensure that recruitment and hiring practices in early childhood education settings are inclusive and unbiased. Encourage employers to actively seek out and hire qualified male candidates, promoting equal opportunity for all aspiring educators.

Celebrate Male Educators: Recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of male teachers in early childhood education. Highlight their successes through awards, media coverage, and professional development events to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Conclusion:

The underrepresentation of male teachers in early childhood education is a disservice to our children and our society as a whole. By challenging stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating the contributions of male educators, we can create a brighter future for the next generation. Let's come together and bridge the gender gap in early childhood education – our kids deserve nothing less.