KALAMAZOO, MI -- A temporary job turned into a full-time career for Damon Travis, an itinerant teacher in Kalamazoo’s pre-kindergarten early-education program (PEEP) and Early Childhood Special Education program (ECSE).

He’s one of few male teachers in early-education. Only 3% of teachers in early-education are men, according to the American Institute for Boys and Men . Even fewer are men of color, like Travis.

Travis originally wanted to work in finance. But while working as a paraprofessional, he fell in love with early childhood education.

Now as an itinerant teacher, he splits time working at Arcadia Elementary School, Greenwood Elementary School, Milwood Elementary School and Lincoln International Studies School teaching once a week in PEEP and ECSE classes.

After a pivotal expe

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