In the US only about 3% of early childhood teachers are male. Experts say this may have a great influence on young children whose understanding of gender roles and identity is rapidly forming. Research has found that getting access to different teachers is of benefit to children. This means the youngest learners are more likely to be exposed to a wide variety of games and communication. It can also help them develop healthy ideas about gender.
"In our society and world, we tend to have very specific stereotypes (刻板印象) of gender roles," said Mindi Reich-Shapiro, an assistant professor in the Borough of Manhattan Community College, and one of the authors of a recent study. "It's necessary for the kids to see other possibilities and paths they can choose."
Although they largely felt supported by colleagues and families, many male teachers surveyed stated that in their career as early education teachers, they did face social and cultural resistance. Some even noted that the parents were surprised or concerned when they found a male teacher with their kids. Moreover, the male teachers were sometimes advised not to hug children.
Reich-Shapiro and other researchers have made some suggestions to increase the number of male early education teachers. Low wages have long been considered as a major problem in this field. More than 70% of male teachers said they intended to stay in the early education workforce, and pointed out that the major motivator for their commitment to their long-term career was an increased salary. Thus, the report recommended that all preschool educators be paid as much as the primary school teachers. The government should establish support groups and provide guidance and professional advice for male early education educators.
Reich-Shapiro said that traditional recruitment methods for early childhood teachers could not handle the gender gap in the field. He suggests providing young individuals with opportunities to stay and work with children either through training or voluntary programs, targeting groups of men who are considering changing their jobs, such as fathers and fathers-to-be.
