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Graduate jobs news: More male teachers needed

Published: Wednesday, 01 October 2008   Category: Industry sectors | Public sector

A lack of male teachers could be damaging the development of school boys, a new study suggests.

In news which might be on interest to those looking for graduate jobs, a survey by the Training and Development Agency (TDA) reveals 48 per cent of men stated a male primary school teacher acted as a fundamental role model to them.

However, men currently account for only 13 per cent of registered primary school teachers, according to the General Teaching Council.

Dr Tanya Byron, consultant clinical psychologist, author and broadcaster, said: "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."

The fact that many children now come from single parent families means male role models in the classroom are even more important, she added.

Recently, the Training and Development Agency for Schools claimed the economic downturn is boosting interest in teaching as a career.