The countdown commences to recruit tomorrow's male primary school teachers
Male primary school teachers have acted as fundamental role models to one in two men (48 per cent), reveals new research from the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA).
Over 800 men were surveyed in a study to uncover the impact of male primary school teachers in boys' development. The research revealed that 35 per cent of men felt that having a male primary teacher challenged them to work harder at school and 22 per cent believed that male primary teachers helped build their confidence while they were young.
The men surveyed reported that they were more likely to approach male teachers with issues of bullying (50 per cent), problems at home (29 per cent) and questions about puberty (24 per cent).
The news comes as the deadline for applications for primary school teacher training looms, with jobseekers having less than 9 weeks to apply for postgraduate training courses next year.
Dr Tanya Byron, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, author and broadcaster (Little Angels, House of Tiny Tearaways, BBC TV) agrees that male primary school teachers are vital in providing positive male role models for young boys. She said:
"Almost half the men surveyed in this research (48 per cent) said that male primary teachers are important role models where adult male figures are absent in the home lives of children. The need for strong male role models as constants in the lives of young children is more apparent than ever in light of the increasing numbers of children experiencing breakdown of the traditional family unit, growing up in single parent families or not having a male figure at home.
Male primary school teachers can often be stable and reliable figures in the lives of the children that they teach. They inspire children to feel more confident, to work harder and to behave better."
Men currently account for just 13 per cent of registered primary school teachers, according to recent figures released by the General Teaching Council. However, the numbers of male primary trainee teachers has steadily been increasing by around one percentage point year-on-year.
The TDA's Chief Executive, Graham Holley, said:
"It is telling that more than 1 in 10 men would consider a teaching career if they felt they could improve the life chances of young boys, or if they heard positive things about male teachers from friends, family or the media. Not everyone can be a sports star or TV star, but they can be a 'star' in the classroom and help inspire thousands of young minds. We need to celebrate the important roles both male and female teachers play in schools, and work to redress the gender balance to ensure the healthy development of children today."
The TDA offers information and support to men who want to become primary school teachers. Call the TDA's Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 or log onto http://www.teach.gov.uk to find out more including details of teaching taster courses. The TDA is running an online Q&A for men interested in becoming a primary school teacher on Wednesday 5th November.
