DJ (Donald) Sowerby is breaking gender barriers by becoming an early childhood teacher. He never imagined he would choose to become an early childhood teacher but at 49 years of age DJ can think of nothing he would sooner now do.
He has received a Men in ECE Invitation Award provided by the Office of ECE (OECE). The award is designed to invite men to take up a career in ECE and let men know that they are welcome in the profession.
DJ is studying for a graduate diploma of teaching in ECE and is also working at an early childhood centre. He is a father of a two-year-old. Prior to entering early childhood teaching, DJ worked as a Vision and Hearing Technician (VHT) for the B4School Check Programme at Hauora Tairawhiti.
Dr Sarah Alexander, chief advisor to the OECE says that low male representation in the ECE profession makes it difficult to attract men into teaching because they do not see other men participating in this line of work.
Male early childhood teachers are scarce, and particularly in the Gisborne region where DJ lives.
“During my almost ten years of working as a VHT in Gisborne, I came across only two men who worked with children in early childhood centres,” says DJ.
Dr Alexander says that although men are needed in ECE to help with the teacher shortage, the compelling reason was the educational value and social development benefits for children of having men present and involved in early childhood teaching.
“Boys need to see people of their gender, people like them, in the early childhood centre. And all children ought to be seeing that early childhood teachers can be both men and women.
“Until men are well represented in early childhood teaching, children are learning from a young age that it’s women’s work and not a role for men. This is not desirable for children to learn from attending ECE,” says Dr Alexander.
DJ agrees: “I did not realise how gender roles were socialised at such a young age until I started working in ECE. I believe it is an important part of my work to impress on tamariki that they do not need to rely on these roles to determine their future, and that it is important that they follow their dreams no matter what they might be.”
Getting back into study at the age of 49 years is not an easy thing for anyone. But DJ is committed to gaining an ECE teaching qualification.
“I have found studying again after such a long period challenging, as I completed my BSc through Waikato University over 20 years ago.”
He is also enjoying putting his learning into practice.
“What really helps is that a significant part of our ECE studies is designated to working in an ECE Centre so I can be putting theory into practice and learn on the job so to speak,” says DJ.
As to what he will do after he gains a teaching qualification, DJ says he hopes to find a teaching position.
“I’m hopeful after I graduate that I’ll be able to get a role as a teacher in an early childhood centre. Contributing in a positive way to a child’s development has become a core professional value and a joyful part of my personal life, particularly after the birth of my son two years ago.”
Acknowledgements
DJ is grateful to the Award sponsors, Eric and Julie Hollis owners of the Ole Schoolhouse ECE Centre in Rotorua and says he will put the Award toward meeting the costs of his course. As part of the Award DJ also receives an OECE membership which gives him free access to OECE educator materials, articles, and NZ and international early childhood research.
DJ wishes to acknowledge the people who have supported him along the journey for their support and encouragement.
“I would like to acknowledge Maree, the former manager at Awapuni Early Learners, and the whole kaiako team who took me on as a student teacher and Megan for agreeing to be my liaison teacher.
“Maree also introduced me to David and Jeff at the Gisborne Kindergarten Association, who in turn connected me with the team at Te Rito Maioha. Becky, Roi, and Ra went above and beyond to get me into the 2024 intake as a student by essentially getting my application documents and the enrolment process done on the last day before course commencement!
“Most of all, I am so appreciative of the love from my wife and family, to support me through this major change in my career, at this stage in my life.”
See more best career stories in early childhood education
Go to Career Stories
