PFW students changing the face of elementary school instruction

According to a recent Indiana Department of Education report, only 9% of the state's elementary school teachers are male.

Michael Flory, an analytics and planning director for the School of Education at Purdue University Fort Wayne, said there are currently two men majoring in early childhood education at PFW and 18 in elementary education. That's compared to 66 in secondary education. And looking at the 91 spring 2024 graduates from the SoE, there were no males who majored in early childhood education and only three in elementary education.

While most men consider other fields when entering college, some at PFW are determined to become early childhood or elementary school teachers. They were not convinced by the need, but rather the belief that this is what were meant to do.

"I've noticed that people are often surprised when they find out I'm pursuing elementary education, especially since it's a field that is typically female dominated ," senior David Silva said. "There's something special about guiding students in their early stages of learning and helping them build strong foundations, both academically and personally. It's in those formative years where I feel I can make the greatest impact, and that's where I want to dedicate my energy."

Silva started studying medical imaging before switching career goals. Speaking both English and Spanish is a huge advantage, he said.

Though he liked working with children during an elementary special education internship and a high school after-school tutoring program, senior Alex Battershell began college undecided on a major to see if he'd prefer something else. Now he understands how a male elementary teacher can change students' lives.

"Sometimes, it's kind of weird for some of the kids because they've never had a male teacher," said Battershell, who will do his student teaching next semester at Harris Elementary. "I know from some of the schools I've been to, teachers have told me a lot of the kids don't have a male role model. Having someone who is a male role model as their teacher could provide what a lot of these kids need."

Battershell said the pay may not equal other career fields, but seeing growth in students makes the job worthwhile.

"Just being able to do something impactful is nice," Battershell said. "Even if you make an impact on only one kid per year, you've done what you were supposed to do."

Senior Sam Pech-Scott works full time at Fort Wayne's East Wayne Head Start program, teaching children ages 3-5, while also taking 11 credits this semester. Whenever he walks into a classroom or has a discussion with a student or parent, Peck-Scott said he realizes how intentional he needs to be with his body language, communication, and the environment he creates.

Pech-Scott has been working full time since acquiring an associate degree in 2019. He decided to become a teacher while taking Northrop High School's teacher academy class and says he loves studying at PFW where others created the research current students use. He believes male teachers can help children form morals, ethics, and behaviors.

"Being in that role model position as a man really brings a lot of focus from children," Pech-Scott said. "It might just be the way they are brought up, seeing, hearing, and feeling a father's love at home-or maybe not having a father at home. Then having me in the classroom every day, showing them somebody who cares and wants them to be successful, somebody who is listening to their needs, and giving them a hug sometimes and saying, `Hey, you need to breathe,' is vitally important. I love feeling like I'm making a difference for them."

Choosing to focus on early childhood education was an easy decision, Pech-Scott said, because he could see improvement every week with his students.

Senior Chris Strombeck started as an accounting major, but takes pride in helping young children reach their full potential, not only as students, but as human beings. Without a doubt, he knows he can inspire students, maybe even to become future teachers. He also plans on eventually becoming a school administrator.

"I am more than certain this is exactly the profession I should be in," Strombeck said, "and I say that because I am excited to get into the classroom and start teaching! I am excited to become an educator."

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