ICCTE, May 2012

Male Early Childhood Teachers: A Conversation of Teaching Matters

Pamela Owen

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon, Ohio

ICCTE, May 2012

Our Purpose

• Build awareness of the values, rewards, and challenges facing male ECE teachers

• Foster conversation leading to the• Celebration,• Recruitment, and• Retention of male EC teachers

Gender imbalance

• Professor of Education

• Fifteen years• Fewer than 14 men in

my classes• Gender Imbalance

was recognized when the first man entered my classroom about 6 years ago.

ICCTE, May 2012

What can I learn?

recruit retain research encourage

ICCTE, May 2012

Research and Experience

• Males in ECE-why is it important to have men in the field: Diversity• Men interact uniquely with

children• Men use unique methods in

the classroom• Children need male role

models• Enhances the value of

schooling in the minds of boys

• Enriches the entire school community

• Challenges/barriers men face in the field• Stereotypes: not nurturing or sensitive

enough, men taking advantage of easy employment, stepping stone to administration

• Suspicions of motivation (abuse)• Feminization of the profession. Men moving

into traditionally female jobs are perceived as stepping down in status. Schooling is feminine resulting in being perceived as less masculine, less active, less in charge.

• Financial loss of earning potential• Low status job

ICCTE, May 2012

Teacher Collaboration

• Ohio: Justin-3rd grade • Ohio: Lane-preservice• Florida: Brad-5th grade • Hawaii: Jonathan-PreK• Maryland: Victor

• It is okay to teach.• Teaching is manly.• We are strong

contributors.

ICCTE, May 2012

Main Messages: Letters to Carson

• I am an effective teacher.• I am committed to working with you while

being myself.• I involve and support parents.• I have a strong desire to teach young

children.• It is important to discuss the need for male

teachers in ECE.

ICCTE, May 2012

What Can l Do?

• Small Group

• Discuss ways you can support men in your environment.

ICCTE, May 2012

Recommendations

ICCTE, May 2012

Lead the way for Gender Balance.