male earlychildhoodteachers
DESCRIPTION
Pam OwenTRANSCRIPT
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.