Primary schools need more male teachers

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Hundreds of men sought for primary school posts

'Pied Piper of Solihull' says motivation of younger pupils makes teaching a pleasure

The commitment being shown by the Government's Teacher Training Agency to increase the number of male teachers in primary schools has to be welcomed. But encouraging as the move is, it may not be that easy to reach the target of a 20 per cent increase in trainees by this September.

There are two main reasons for the decline in numbers. One is that economic pressures make it difficult for a family in some parts of the country, notably London and the South-east, to rely on a teacher as their main breadwinner if they are to find somewhere to live. A second, cited by teachers' leaders, is the growing number of malicious allegations being made by pupils against their members, which has put men off applying for jobs.

The first problem, of course, is easier to solve than the second and has its solution in awarding a decent cost- of-living allowance for teachers residing in expensive areas. It will also mean introducing incentives for modernising the teaching profession that will attract potential recruits.

The second is trickier. The Government is trying to reduce the amount of time a teacher can be held in limbo while claims are investigated by appointing a network of regional troubleshooters to advise schools. However, there are still vast difficulties, even if a teacher is cleared and the way paved for them to return to school, that might deter potential recruits.

There is no doubt that primary school classrooms would benefit from an increase in the number of male teachers. With the growth in single-parent families, he may be the only male role model a child sees in its formative years. The TTA say they want to recruit qualified teachers no longer working in schools, and encourage students to turn their hand to a spot of teaching during university, to help things along. Sadly, it will take a much wider package than that before its ambitious – and worthy – target is achieved.