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Are There Any Male Teachers Out There?

by Dawn Farrell and Michelle McHugh -
As an individual walks through the halls of an elementary school more often than not they will observe only female teachers. One may ask are there any males in this profession? If so where are they? Gender roles have changed in the United States, yet there are still very few male teachers in the classroom especially at the elementary level.

Editorial: Will there be more women in the U.S. workforce?

There are so many trends that effect why men and women work in the occupations that they do. During the late 1920s, more men returned to teaching. And after World War II, because of the GI Bill we saw more men going into education than ever before in history.

We now have two things going on that may be a "perfect storm" of having more men go into education.

1) More men are losing than jobs than women. According to a New York Times article last year:

More men turn hand to teaching

by Jarrod Booker - New Zealand Herald
The economic downturn is believed to be behind a jump in men training to be teachers - a welcome development for schools trying to even up the gender balance.

But while secondary schools are pleased to see more male teachers coming through, they say recruiting and retaining enough suitable staff remains a problem.

Massey University's College of Education has almost doubled the number of men in its secondary school Graduate Diploma of Teaching course this year, up from 35 to 65.

Editorial: It's important to challenge ALL gender bias

We read numerous articles about gender bias. Our focus at MenTeach.org is primarily about challenging stereotypes and bias that men face in education. And we know this is important work.

We also think it's important to challenge any and all gender stereotypes and bias. If we allow stereotypes about women - our co-workers/teachers - then we are perpetuating the entire system of sexism. And ironically, it will hurt us.