Stereotype of male preschool teachers fades in China

When we think of kindergarten teachers, the first image that pops into our minds is usually of tender and versatile women. But nowadays more male teachers are willing to work in kindergartens and doing a great job.

Male teachers' voices, body language, gestures and, most of all, the way of thinking, are all different from those of the female teachers. From a psychological standpoint, it’s not easy for young children to develop an integrated personality when they are taught by women only.

Male preschool teacher has a natural advantage in providing suitable male role models in kindergartens, fostering children to become more independent, self-confident and brave and strong.

Kindergartens may well have a strong demand for male preschool teachers, but the fact remains that the number of qualified male teachers is far from being enough in China.

When these male teachers do their jobs, many feel lonely in the female-dominated kindergartens, while some abandon the career because of the comparatively low salary.

Education authorities and kindergartens have taken measures to attract more men to the profession and to keep them in their jobs.

Education authorities in east China's Jiangsu province have initiated similar male-focused recruitment projects since 2011.