Boyle Heights teacher brings rare male presence to early education

As a teacher, Emigdio “Milo” Berumen holds an uncommon role; he’s one of the few men working in early childhood education.

Berumen, 60, teaches transitional kindergarten at 2nd Street Elementary in Boyle Heights, helping 4-year-olds to develop the skills they will need when they reach kindergarten.

“I go to conferences and presentations … and I can count four or five of us,” Berumen said of the male, early-childhood teachers.

Of 1,536 LAUSD kindergarten teachers, only about 10%, or 155, are men, according to a district spokesperson. Among 1,115 TK teachers, just 72 are men.

Among LAUSD’s former early education practitioners is Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait, who began his career as a kindergarten teacher, the spokesperson said.

Despite their small numbers, Berumen and other men in the field are making an impact. For boys, having a male teacher early may benefit them academically, according to the New York Times. Male teachers can also serve as a positive role model for children without male role models at home.

While many young men may overlook early education, some are drawn to it, Berumen said. In fact, his teaching assistant, Emilio Robles, 26, hopes to teach TK through first grade “Ideally, that’s what I would like to do,” Robles said.

Berumen’s impact is evident inside a classroom cabinet door that displays drawings and messages from former students, along with notes from parents. One is from an incarcerated father thanking him for being a male role model for his son.

Principal Consuelo Monreal-Ramirez called Berumen a talented educator who understands the developmental needs of young children and designs lessons that build foundational skills.

“What truly sets him apart is his presence,” she wrote. “He brings a calm, steady, and joyful energy that helps young learners feel secure while also challenging them to grow.” 

Berumen has spent his entire career at 2nd Street Elementary, starting as a teacher’s assistant in 1984. While teaching third grade, he began looking for a change and took a colleague’s suggestion to try kindergarten.

“I came to kindergarten, and it’s been the best move,” said Berumen, who has taught kindergarten and transitional kindergarten for the last 15 years.

The work requires structure, flexibility and patience.

At 4, children are often restless.

“Children this age are not designed to sit still,” Berumen said.