Men in Early Childhood Education: My Interview With Male Teacher & Manny Matthew Boudot! by Mike Prochaska

Matthew Boudot works at Sense of Play, a before- and after-school program for children between the ages of 5 to 12 years. Recently, I got to interview Matthew about his career as a male teacher. Matthew is also self-employed as a manny (male nanny). He provides private childcare to multiple families.

Q. How did you get into this field?

I obtained my babysitting license at age 11. Ten years later at the age of 21 I’m still working with children full-time and love it!

Q. What do you see as being the advantages of being a male teacher?

In a daycare setting, rough and tumble play is something men bring to a center ... Just a male presence is notable with the children. If you look at how a lion plays with his cubs, showing restraint when the older one is stronger, children admire this. Just one of many reasons that men make a positive impact in child care.

Q. Anything else you want to tell me about working with children?

To work with children you must have a passion for what you do.

Q. What is your favorite memory working with kids? 

My favorite memory has to be using our imaginations to be creative! Having an endless imagination to create things like pillow forts or huge LEGO castles! Your only limit is your imagination.