THERE is much said about the
importance of women
succeeding in male-dominated
jobs so it’s nice for the tables to
be turned for once.
New figures show the numbers of
men training to become primary
school teachers has increased
dramatically over the past few years.
The Teaching Agency says men now
make up 19 per cent of trainees in
2011/12 as opposed to 15 per cent in
2008/9.
Still less than a fifth – which is
hardly a major cause for a celebration
of equality but nevertheless it is
progress.
Lots of reasons have been given as to
why men have avoided this femaleheavy
occupation.
There’s the idea that men would not
want to spend time as the lone ranger
in a staffroom of cackling harridans.
Aside from being a ridiculous
stereotype, surely teachers spend the
lion’s share of their time in the
classroom and considerably less time
than most professionals – in work time
at least – socialising with their
colleagues.
Anyway, would a man really reject
an entire career based on the simple
fact he might have to spend his lunch
hour with women? Some might call
that an advantage.
More sinister is the suggestion that
men have avoided jobs working with
young children for fear of potentially
being accused of child abuse.
Can it really be the case that we
view men with such suspicion and
distrust? I’d like to think not.
Then there is the assumption that
women do better in primary schools
than men because it is somehow a
nurturing job.
Having met many decidedly uncaring
women, I’d say that’s perhaps
the worst excuse of all – but possibly a
status quo that our society does like to
perpetuate.
Hopefully, these figures show that
times are changing.
However, the reason given for the
increase in men was perhaps equally
as sexist as some of those given for the
lack of men.
It was suggested more ‘on the job’
teacher training – with trainees
earning while they were learning –
was responsible.
In other words, men are all about the
money. I disagree.
Different people are attracted to
different careers for different reasons.
The simple fact is that there are men
and women in this world – and they all
bring individual qualities to the world
of work.
That is something children need to
learn. So let’s hope that 19 per cent
soon becomes 29 or 39 or even 49.