by Dr. Jill Klefstad - UW Stout
Twenty-five years ago, while attending the National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC) conference for the first time, I became interested in the male perspective of teaching young children. It was during this conference that I found myself drawn to presentation topics given by men in early childhood education. While the issues presented about young children were parallel to those that women presented, there was something unique about the demonstration style and the message carried by the male speakers.
Hailed as a 'true inspiration', he can often be found dressing up in the role play area at West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester), much to the children's delight.
There are twice as many students of color, by percentage, as teachers of color in Virginia's public schools. What's more, the Commonwealth has the fewest male teachers, proportionately, of any state in the U.S.
Australia is facing a crisis within primary education: there will not be enough teachers to educate the booming population of children coming through.
Teaching is one of the most preferred careers in Korea with stable working hours, long vacations and a hefty government pension after retirement. Those factors play their part in making the line of work competitive. However, the profession has been predominantly occupied by women.
The nursery group, which runs 37 nurseries across London, has launched a campaign for more men in childcare and championing gender inclusiveness.