Men in Early Childhood Education: My Interview With ECE Teacher Wayne Robert Kratzmann From Australia by Mike Prochaska

Wayne Robert Kraztzmann is a toddler teacher at Goodstart Early Learning Center in Adelaide, South Australia, and a member of the 30Seconds tribe! Wayne was unemployed and accidentally fell into Early Childhood Education. Sometimes the lord has a plan for us and we don't even know it.

Q. How did you get into this field?

"I was unemployed for a month as trade mechanic in Townsville. One day in the Townsville Bulletin there were some relief jobs and took the deep dive ... Now [I've] been working in ECE for 10 years."

Q. What are the advantages of being a male teacher?

"... Seeing males as positive roles models for all children in all social and cultural backgrounds. Being supportive in there social and emotional well-being and learning development for ongoing lifestyle as the continue to learn and grow into confident children as process into adults.

"It is vital for children and families to build important, strong relationships for ongoing collaborative learning between ECE and home ... The first five years [are] so important and with [with] my ongoing development as a male ECE, it's important understand the children's social and emotional background and make them feel safe and secure in their learning environment."

Q. Anything else you would like us to know?

"I have two children and they inspired me to study my ECE Bachelor's ... currently [in the] second year but on a short break. Also, in January [I] received employee of the month in [the] area on inclusion for children and families."