Men in Early Childhood Education: My Interview With Preschool Teacher Ron Howard by Mike Prochaska

Ron Howard is from the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming and is part of the Arapaho Tribe. He's a preschool teacher and works with students 3 to 6 years of age in an early intervention program funded by the Shoshone Tribe. Read on to learn more about Ron...

Q. What are the advantages of being a man in Early Childhood Education? What do men bring to classroom?

"As a Native American male teacher,I feel that I am a role model, not just for my own students but for other fellow Natives who are on the fence about whether or not to attain a career. Unfortunately, educated Natives still have a hard time finding work within the confines of the reservation."

Q. Why is play important for children?

"Play is important for learning concepts, gross and fine motor skills and development, socialization, problem solving, homing the imagination, conflict resolution ... the list goes on. As a teacher, I've found myself actually teaching kids how to play."

Q. What about outside play? Is it important?

"Outdoor play is important for all the reasons I've mentioned, but it's also important to get fresh air, explore the outdoors and it helps with concentration."

Q. Anything inspiring to tell anyone thinking of going into this field? 

"My job as a preschool teacher is the most important in a students education. It's our job to get them to learn the basics of self care, academics, socialization, routine, problem solving, self regulation while getting them to love learning and enjoy the school experience. If you're in it for the money, you picked the wrong vocation. There is no real money in it. There is only the satisfaction of knowing you're making a difference. "