ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

I have been working in Early Childhood Education for a little over 12 years, 12 as a teacher, and the past 4 months as a Director. One of the issues I haven't seen addressed yet is the lack of trust that male preschool teachers get. In my 12 years as a teacher I have been asked numerous times to have my assistant teacher change diapers, or accompany children to the bathroom because, "I just don't want a guy to do that." At my last place of employ, I, and the other 2 men in the center (out of 20 teachers) were not allowed to work in infant/toddler rooms. I was told that that was a corporate rule to insure the safety of the children, as well as the peace of mind of the parents.
Qualified and good men in early childhood education help boys and girls. We can provide a positive male role model for all children.
I am proud of my years of service and consider that my being one of only 4% worldwide of teachers in this field as a badge of honor.

Create environments that appreciate boys for their unique qualities; a place where they can feel safe and successful. Perhaps, in twenty or thirty years we will find that men are more comfortable with the idea of becoming teachers in ECE. For generations, boys have been misunderstood and shamed for their nature. Why would they want to return to a place that caused them so much pain? (not to mention the low pay, low perceived power and respect and judgments about their sexuality and intentions) I teach in ECE because I see how important my presence is in the lives of children, especially the boys. They need adults who speak their language without filters or translation, just as female teachers do for girls. Again, this won't happen until we train the teachers of this generation in the specific educational and nurturing needs of boys!

Unfortunately is more than a matter of values and philiosophies. I am a male who worked in Early Childhood Education for more than 12 years. Unfortunately it is a matter that affects both women and men. It is the situation that people who care and work in childcare out of principal and belief are not compensated with the pay or benefits that secure a secure livlihood. The attitude is still not commensurate to the importance that has been underscored by oodles of studies. Unfortunately we live in a culture of business as usual. And as history has shown it is those without a political voice or immediately convertable financial capabilities that have to pay. Again we fail to see what our patience could possibly nurture.