Hello @conradt :)
Thank you very much for your most insightful and experienced view on this topic. Challenging stereotypes is never an easy thing to do, and it makes me smile to read your comment because I think of the children you teach. Having an educator with your mindset is really going to put those them in an advantaged position in terms of viewing the world and gowning in a fast-changing society!
Thank you for your support!
Best :)
Yes my view has certainly evolved over my time as as ECE teacher (I have been working in ECE for over 2 years). I always challenge children when it comes to gender sterotypes - and I would often do things that werent what males would traditionally do such as wear pink or paint my nails.
I was lucky that I has such a supportive team and environment in my last position I think the world is starting to accept and see the benefits of having a male teacher. I wish I could do more to be an advocate for being a teacher it is such a great job and I feel truly lucky.
Interestingly we have moved to Spain recently for our OE and it is nice to see the gender stereotypes arent so strong here and I think other countries could learn alot.