Men in Your Teacher Preparation Program: Five Strategies to Recruit and Retain Them

The professional Young Children has published it’s May 2010 issue devoted to Men in the Lives of Young Children. Several MenTeach.org members have an article in the journal. If you are a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children you already have the issue and can download an electronic version. If you aren’t a member there are select free articles that you can download to read.

“Juan enrolled in his local university after serving in Afghanistan as a young Marine. As a veteran he qualified for a scholarship and began his studies as a business major. After a semester, Juan felt dissatisfied with his choice. Remembering how much he enjoyed coaching children in sports, Juan thought that perhaps teaching would be similarly rewarding. He decided to make the switch to education.

On the first day of classes at the school of education, he found himself in a sea of women, including his professors. He liked the program and learning more about children, but as one of only a few men in his classes, Juan felt isolated. Although the women were friendly, he often found himself feeling impatient with the way they discussed topics. Juan’s family and friends were supportive; however, they questioned his career choice of working with young children.”

Here’s Men in Your Teacher Preparation Program: Five Strategies to Recruit and Retain Them in pdf format.