Male-identifying educators and professionals are invited to come together for the Virtual Mentorship Series from the Ministry of Education. Explore and share best practices in recruitment, retention, mentorship, and classroom engagement for Early Learning Child Care (ELCC), other childcare professionals, and K-12 teachers and students.
The series aims to promote the employment of Métis citizens as early childhood educators by creating opportunities for learning and knowledge-sharing rooted in Métis culture, values, and best practices to strengthen the path for men, Two-Spirit, and Male-Identifying educators who are already contributing to the field.
Please contact ecesupports@mnbc.ca to register.
This is a 9-part series. Each session is held on Zoom from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm PST. Full schedule below:
| Date: | Session name: | Session focus: |
| April 8, 2026 | Welcoming the Circle: Identity & Purpose in ELCC | Building relationships, sharing personal journeys, and exploring why male-identifying educators are important. |
| May 13, 2026 | Culture, Land & Belonging in Early Learning | How land-based learning, culture, and community connections support children's identity, resilience, and sense of belonging. |
| June 10, 2026 | Storytelling, Language, and Métis Ways of Teaching | Using storytelling, language, and lived experiences to pass on values such as respect, kinship, generosity, and responsibility. |
| July 8, 2026 | Relationships with Children: Guidance, Play, and Trust | Supporting children through connection, play, and guidance while creating safe and trusting learning environments. |
| August 12, 2026 | Men in Early Learning: Leadership & Professional Pathways (Guest Speaker TBD) | Exploring career journeys, advocacy for the profession, and how men can step into leadership roles in ELCC. |
| September 9, 2026 | Mentorship & Reciprocity in Community | Sharing knowledge across generations, supporting one another in the field, and strengthening mentorship networks. |
| October 7, 2026 | Wellness, Balance, and Resilience for Educators | Mental health, self-care, and building supportive peer networks to sustain long careers in caregiving and education. |
| November 11, 2026 | Building Community Impact Through Education (Guest Speaker TBD) | How educators influence families, communities, and future generations through culturally grounded teaching and advocacy. |
| December 9, 2026 | Closing Circle: Reflection, Gratitude, and Looking Ahead | Reflect on the year, share stories and lessons learned, celebrate connections built, and envision the future of the Virtual Mentorship Series. |
Participant quotes from the 2025 Virtual Mentorship Series:
“It’s rare to be in a space where men in education can speak honestly about belonging, mental health, and why we stay in this work. This series reminded me I’m not alone.”
“Hearing different pathways into education helped me see that there isn’t just one ‘right’ way forward. The stories shared gave me clarity and confidence in my next steps.”
“The balance between professional learning and relational connection made this session feel grounding, not overwhelming. I left feeling encouraged and re-energized.”
“This group has become something I look forward to, not just for learning, but for genuine connection and accountability.”
“I feel more comfortable, it is a safe space to come and share.”
“It felt like this weight off my chest, I can actually talk with people and feel this community.”
“I’m going to use love, this group has helped to challenge what it means to care and show love as men in the field.”
“Six months ago this was just an idea. And tonight, it’s a community… a brotherhood.”
“I’d like to believe there is a guy out there who is touched in some way that they feel more welcome in this field.”
“I'm proud that it has even started at all, that these conversations are happening.”