Sheffield calls for more male primary teachers

October 21 2009

According to new research, fewer than one in eight Sheffield primary school teachers are male, it has been reported.

The Sheffield Star claims the figures have sparked fears that many boys in the city will suffer from a lack of interaction with male role models.

Kathryn Stallard, Sheffield secretary of the National Union of Teachers, told the newspaper the profession remains female-dominated at a national level.

"Attracting more young men into teaching would be good for schools and for the profession in general," she noted.

Ms Stallard added that the debate had revealed an "outdated" attitude among many education professionals, who see early years learning as a feminine and nurturing environment, compared to a more focused, academic secondary school model.

The Star reports the issue is particularly concerning council education bosses, who are currently consulting academics at the city's Hallam University.

National research published last month by the General Teaching Council revealed more than one in four primary schools have no male teaching staff.

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