When Eugenio Nava began his path in early childhood education, he was often the only man in the room. Teaching in Spanish, where “maestra” is the default term for teacher, he initially felt like his identity didn’t quite fit the mold. But that discomfort didn’t last: within two weeks of working with children, he was hooked. “I fell in love with this career,” he says.
That commitment didn’t erase the challenges. At times, Eugenio sensed that some parents questioned whether a man could nurture and teach their children as well as a woman could. “I came to understand that, as a man and a teacher, I can see each child for who they are, understand what they need, and encourage them to learn,” Eugenio says. “That is my strength, and knowing that has helped me become more resilient.”
Eugenio, who now teaches in a mixed pre-K classroom at Kids Campus, a laboratory school at Santa Fe Community College, believes men have an important role in early childhood education. “I’m a man, but I’m sensitive. I’m a man, but I can support kids through their emotions,” he says. He sees himself not as an exception, but as part of a team whose members bring different strengths to the classroom. His bilingual teaching team includes one man and one woman. “We’re a complete team. We complement each other perfectly,” he says.
Raised in a culture that taught men not to show emotion, Eugenio now models something different for the children and families he works with: strength built on attentiveness and patience.
His advice to anyone considering the field, no matter who they are: “If you feel a connection with kids, you can do this. Don’t be afraid.”