Thoughts of a male nursery teacher

Adam Alexander muses on his role and the potential influence more men working in the care industries could have on wider society.

I don't think much about the gender divide in nursery these days. I'm reminded I'm male when new entrants sometimes respond cautiously when they first see me and realise that I'm not a caring and comforting woman, but a MAN, the "caring and comforting" part of me as yet unknown.

One girl burst into tears at our first meeting and clung to mummy's skirt. It turned out she was "man shy". A little unnerving to begin with. Do I really look like a monster? After talking with mum, the next few months were spent creating a climate of security and trust for the girl. Now she chats happily to me about everything.

These children already have assumptions about men. The lack of a male presence in nursery and primary school can only validate these. To what extent, I wonder, do they influence little boys and girls? Would there be more caring and comforting men in the world if there were caring and comforting male role models working with infants? Less violence, aggression, rage and brutality? Can the male teacher make such a difference?

A parent wrote to our nursery recently: "In my role as a secondary teacher, I'm aware of the impact positive male roles can play. My wife and I are delighted with Mr Alexander's presence in our local nursery. We believe he creates a calm and caring environment for children in his charge.

"Increasingly, children are exposed to conflicting behavioural messages from society and the media. In nurturing their emotional intelligence, we can guide them towards a sense of self-worth and security. We can also aspire to a progressive society, based on empathy and shared values.

"A vital component of this experience must surely be the daily contact of caring, professional staff. Part of that immersion should surely include male sensitivity and compassion, seen as strengths and qualities. Mr Alexander personifies these attributes and we are exceptionally lucky to have him."

I felt deeply humbled by these comments and also aware of the profound importance of his thoughts. The hallmarks of a thriving and happy nursery are in stark contrast with the climate so typically the domain of men and evident in the world of politics, business, media and sport. How different the world would be if more of our leaders, managers and celebrities showed higher levels of emotional intelligence in their dealings?

Charlie Owen, Senior Research Officer at the Institute of Education, London University, found that ". . . it is the absence or presence of men in early childhood services that contributes to or challenges the dominant ideologies about gender roles and relationships in society."

I'm passionate about education and love working in the nursery. As soon as children start school, their world of exploration and discovery becomes moulded and led by the curriculum. As they move up the school it's increasingly difficult for the teacher to foster a child-centered approach and ironically the pupil's independence is weakened. One of my students commented on the difference between the P7 children she had worked with and the nursery children she had just met. The P7 children had to ask permission to go and find the resources they needed while the nursery children found and used what they needed as they wished.

With conflicting behavioural messages from society and the media, there is, perhaps, an important reason why more men should be encouraged to work in childcare, if only to provide a balance, but importantly to strengthen that emotional intelligence which will enable these small people to venture forth as happy, sensitive and confident individuals.

Your view

If you have an unusual or unique perspective on the teaching profession, please let us know. Email teachingscotland@gtcs.org.uk with your thoughts and observations and we will be in touch.