Men In Early Childhood Education: Fathers &TeachersMid-America AEYC Curriculum Institute 2012 yet myths and stereotypes continue to discourage men from entering or remaining in careers working with young children (Nelson 2004) .discriminatory practices are at the heart of early childhood education.S Labor Statistics 712.The Current Issue According to the 2010 U.000 early childhood educators were employed by profit and nonprofit centers in the United States. only 3 percent of the workforce were male Non.000 employed to teach preschool-Kindergarten. Out of the total 712. Argument and Rationale Children’s awareness of gender begins in early childhood. When most of their caregivers are female. young children may make stereotypic assumptions about male and female roles (Chodorow 1978. . Johnson 2008). A diverse workforce that promotes professional opportunities regardless of gender can help children develop an idea that women and men are expected to follow through with the same responsibilities. In general. Far more boys engage in rough-and-tumble play than do girls (Humphreys & Smith. . it is important to point out that brain research has shown that young boys are “hard wired” to move and problem solve. Research has also shown us that boys are apt to suffer when codes of conduct reflect the sensibilities of an allfemale faculty. boys are simply more physical than girls. 1984).Argument and Rationale Although there is little evidence that shows that having a male teacher fosters student achievement. attitudes. learning materials. Provide a non-stereotypic environ. and play materials that reflect gender balance and emphasize the importance of men in the teacher workforce. program brochures.traditional gender roles. and staff.Recommendations for Programs Banish Stereotypes Use professional publications. flyers. family members. Gender-equitable curricula. and classroom experiences . and beliefs that are based on stereotypes or that diminish non. books. toys. Actively counter children’s and adult’s comments.ment for children. Recommendations for Programs Support a gender diverse work-force Make male early childhood educators a standard. This exemplifies for children a world where women and men share caregiving responsibilities equally (Janairo et al. 2010) Having a balance of male and female early childhood educators helps expand children’s understanding of gender roles and challenges stereotypic messages they may see elsewhere. . vital part of your teacher workforce. and teaching are attitudes and activities typical of men as well as women (Davidson & Nelson 2011. and male early childhood educators Children will learn that nurturing behavior. Weaver-Hightower 2011) Put pictures of nurturing males on classroom walls. father figures.Recommendations for Programs Use positive representations of men Promote positive images of men and children that are cared for and taught by fathers. . caregiving. Read picture books that show men caring for and spending time with children. For example. when you advertise. Use ad content that encourages both men and women to apply.” Interview at least one male for every opening your early childhood program has for a new teacher. use phrases like “Men encouraged to apply. Create volunteer opportunities for males in the community.Next Steps in Recruiting and Retaining Men Collaborate with teacher preparation programs to find methods to recruit more men. Talk to preservice educators about being early childhood educators . Next Steps in Recruiting and Retaining Men College/University scholarships for males entering early childhood education A network and support group for men throughout centers and schools Teacher orientation and training programs should include an educational component on the importance of gender diversity. . Programs should partner with city summer youth employment programs to actively recruit young men in early childhood settings. To provide a social outlet for fathers (dad club) .Welcoming Fathers into programs Educate fathers on the importance of their involvement Plan and implement father focused events Keep fathers in mind when planning possible projects and themes Use active fathers to recruit and educate other male caregivers. April 22). 2006. S. Nelson.. Phi Delta Kappan. B. Nicholson. U. Bloomington. 1978. 2004.S. & B. race. “Out of Sight. “Gender Equality for a New Generation: Expect Male Involvement in ECE. www. N.” Exchange (156): 42–43. Berkeley: University of California Press. The Reproduction of Mother. 2010. Education Policy Brief 6 (4). May-June). sex.ing: Psychoanalysis and the Sociology of Gender.” Exchange (168): 18–22. 2004.pdf. Dorsey. (1994. “Myths about Men Who Work with Young Children. Jackson. but Not Out of Mind: The Harmful Absence of Men.indiana. N. (2007). Child Care Information Exchange. Recruiting and retaining men in your center. B. S. 5-11. D. The Status of Male Teachers in Public Education Today.ceep. The Boston Globe. Retrieved from http://www.boston. N.edu/projects/ PDF/PB_V6N4_Winter_2008_EPB.P. R.G. The value of the male schoolteacher. Policy issues in teacher education.References Chodorow.P. “Still So Few Males: Now What?” Young Children 65 (3): 18–23. D. 72. 97.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/04/22/the_value_of_the_male_schoolteac her/ Johnson. Kennedy. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2008. & D. .” Child Care Information Exchange (160): 16–18. Johnson. Employed persons by detailed occupation. (2008. Neugebauer R.. IN: Center for Evaluation & Education Policy (CEEP). Middleton. and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. Cunningham. Sandrick. Piburn. (1991). Indiana University.M.