Men in Early Childhood Education: My Interview With Preschool Teacher Mike Whiting Early Childhood Education

Mike Whiting is a preschool teacher at Highland Children Center in Raleigh, N.C. He works with 4-year-olds and has done so for the last five years. Mike has also worked with kids as young as 6 weeks old. Read on to learn more about Mike and why he loves being in the Early Childhood Education field...

Q. How did you get into this field?

“I took a class in high school where we went to local elementary schools three times per week and led games and activities with them.”

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

“Male teachers bring a different dynamic to the classroom. We tend to interact and play with the children more than the females.”

Q. What’s your favorite memory working with kids?

“I have had a few parents tell me that they hope their children grow up to be like me.”

Q. Did you hear about the man who got fired for just being male? How do you feel about that?

“I have experienced my fair share of discrimination being a make teaching young kids. I had a job at a preschool that discriminated against me because I am a male. I was not allowed to change diapers, hold the children or other normal things that the women were able to do. I asked why I was not told this when I was hired, and they said we would ‘cross that bridge’ when we came to it. I actually filed a civil rights discrimination lawsuit against them.” 

Q. What’s your favorite book to read to your classroom?

“’The Little Engine That Could.’” 

Q. Why is play important for children? 

“Through play children learn skills that they will use throughout their entire lives. They learn cooperation, conflict resolution, compromise and other social skills. Children also get exercise, as well as develop fine and gross motor skills. These are just a few benefits of play.”

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

“Do not expect to make a lot of money as you have heard before. Be willing to work other jobs as well, if needed. If you are a man, you will have to deal with things that females will not have to deal with. If it is your passion, go for it!"

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