Breaking the mold:
NMCC recognizes students in nontraditional programs
By Lori Smith
Student Support Career Specialist
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — “What do I want to do with my life?” That is a question all students ask themselves. With a wide array of career paths to choose from, this can be a daunting decision to make. This dilemma is amplified by the social norms and gender stereotypes in our society that often influence career choice.
Gender roles are instilled in children at a young age, when they are taught what is considered “appropriate” behavior based on being male or female. For example, most children are taught that girls play with dolls and boys play with trucks. It’s no wonder automobile mechanics are predominantly male and a majority of childcare workers are female.
At Northern Maine Community College, students are defying the norm and breaking the mold, pursuing careers in non-traditional fields.
Todd Stephenson, of Presque Isle, enjoys helping children. From the time he was an adolescent working as a babysitter to his current volunteer work at a local daycare facility, Stephenson has always been passionate about making a difference in the lives of children.
Stephenson realized several years ago that he needed a career change. Knowing that working with children was an interest, his wife suggested that he volunteer at a childcare center. For 10 years, Stephenson worked for ACAP, working in a variety of settings including volunteering in their Head Start programs in Caribou, and working as a teacher’s aide at their Washburn location. During this time, Stephenson and his wife became therapeutic foster parents. For eight years, they welcomed foster children into their home, caring for them and participating in their treatment. In 2004, he accepted a position as an ed tech at Zippel Elementary School where he worked with special needs children for four years.
Over the past 20 years, Stephenson has taken classes at NMCC. In 1995, he earned a child development associate certificate. He later decided to work toward completing an associate in applied science degree in early childhood education (ECE) to increase his employment opportunities, as many positions in schools and childcare facilities require at least this level of education.
Stephenson has been working full-time as a custodian at Pine Street Elementary School for the past seven years. Although he doesn’t work directly with the children there, he enjoys the atmosphere of being in a school setting surrounded by children.
“It’s the best part of my day,” he said.
Stephenson is currently completing the field experience component of the ECE program at Circle of Friends, a local daycare facility, where he works primarily with school age children, engaging in activities such as reading, finger plays, and a variety of sports and games.
“I have fun. I love working with the kids and they like having me come in every day,” he said. Engaging in conversations with the children is what Stephenson enjoys the most, stating that the children open up to him. “You have to look at them and listen when they are speaking to you.” He also likes their cooperative nature and enthusiasm about learning.
Although most parents are comfortable having Stephenson work with their children, he has experienced some resistance from others. “Some parents have said, ‘He’s a man, why is he working with children?’ like I have an ulterior motive. But it doesn’t bother me. This is what I like to do.”
Stephenson strongly feels that more men are needed in ECE and that children would benefit from having a male presence in that environment. Some children may not have a positive male role model in their life; therefore, working with a professional yet nurturing male would have a significant impact on a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Also, because men and women may have different perspectives regarding certain matters, Stephenson feels that men can bring something new to the table that may provide further assistance to a child in need.
He has enjoyed his time spent at NMCC and is very appreciative of the support he has received from his ECE instructor, Heidi Broad-Smith. “She is very understanding. She has always been willing to work with me to make sure my work gets completed.” Because Stephenson works full-time, attending classes on campus during the day is difficult. Therefore, he is currently completing his coursework through a directed study. The directed study allows him to take a course independently while still receiving instruction and guidance from the instructor. Having this option available to him has helped Stephenson reach his goal of completing his degree.
Stephenson has also participated in evening classes on campus and has interacted with his peers. Although he is currently the only male in the ECE program, he doesn’t see this as being an issue.
When Stephenson graduates in May of 2015, he would be content either working at a daycare center or as a teacher’s aide in a school. He is eager to find full-time employment in ECE, a field that he truly enjoys.
Stephenson offers advice for males who may be considering a career in ECE. “Just be yourself. Don’t act differently, because the children will know. Be kind, nurturing, patient, and flexible. It can be hard work, but it’s very rewarding.”
