The male pre-school teacher who hopes to see more male educators in the industry

Meet five inspiring personalities who are fearlessly pursuing their passions by opting for careers in female-dominated fields. These individuals have eschewed the idea that certain professions should be gendered and have found success in what are traditionally “feminine” careers.

“When I started my teaching journey, most children called me Ms Jasper [as they were unfamiliar with having a Mr in class],” reveals Jasper Andrew Fernandez Tok, a Kindergarten Two teacher at E-Bridge Pre-School, which is under the Etonhouse International Education Group. “Sometimes, children would unintentionally call me ‘daddy’ or ‘mummy’. Once, I had a child who called me ‘uncle’ when he first came to school.”

According to the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), the number of male pre-school educators in Singapore remains at under 1 per cent. At E-Bridge Pre-School Bukit Batok West, where Jasper teaches, he is the only male figure at the pre-school centre.

“Everyone – children, colleagues, and parents – welcomed and treated me with love,” he shares. “As a man in a female-dominated profession, and especially working with children, it can sometimes be daunting. However, I look at this as an opportunity to offer diversity and different perspectives to the teaching and learning of children.”

He explains that being a preschool teacher is an excellent opportunity to offer male role models to young children. “They are exposed to the idea that roles are gender fluid, which helps to address stereotypes. Since children spend a great amount of time in school, it is beneficial for them to be exposed to a learning environment where male figures play a meaningful role in the early years of their lives,” he says.

For Jasper, being a teacher has always been a natural choice. Growing up, he has always looked up to his teachers as role models. “Later on, I became intrigued with how children learn, behave and think. It is fascinating to me how each child is different, and how they view the world,” he shares.

His curiosity led him to pursue a Diploma in Child Psychology & Early Education at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. “During my internship, I had my first encounter with a young child, who immediately caught my attention as I thought that the child was disruptive and inattentive,” he recalls.

“However, after getting to know the child more, I became aware that the child was from a predominantly Mandarin-speaking family, and could not understand the educator in class, which was in English,” he explains.

After offering the child “individualised attention” and seeing progress in the child’s development, Jasper realised “the impact and value of making a positive difference in the lives of the next generation”.

The early childhood profession could greatly benefit from more diversity and inclusion, and having male figures in the centre offers different perspectives, ideas and strengths, he says. “Looking ahead, I hope to see more male educators like myself, as it would send a powerful message that teaching young children is not solely a job for women, but rather a profession that welcomes anyone with a passion for education.”

Four questions with Jasper

How do you balance work and personal life in a demanding career?

I try not to bring work back home and keep all work-related tasks in school. During my personal time, I recharge and unwind by doing things I love, like going to the gym and boxing class!

What’s something at work that you're particularly proud of?

I am extremely proud of each and every child under my care, especially the kindergarten two children who will be graduating soon. We are putting up a graduation concert at the end of the year, and they have been rehearsing diligently for the performance. Seeing them put in the hard work, striving for excellence and witnessing their growth and development throughout their preschool journey has been and will always be a rewarding experience. 

The best piece of career advice you've ever received?

Not exactly a piece of career advice, but I live by the saying, “Don’t take yourself too seriously”. Life is already hard enough, don’t be hard on yourself. 

One thing you wish you knew when you first started your career?

Looking back, I wish I had known the significance of finding my "why" early in my career. Understanding my purpose and what drives me laid a strong foundation for decision-making, goal-setting, and staying motivated.

Photography VERONICA TAY
Art Direction ADELINE ENG
Grooming BENEDICT CHOO, USING MAKE UP FOR EVER