News
8th April 09
4/8/2009
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has expressed his deep concern at figures he received from the Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane, which reveal that 29% of the total number of primary schools in Northern Ireland last year had no male teacher.
Elliott deeply concerned about lack of male teachers in NI Primary Schools
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has expressed his deep concern at figures he received from the Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane, which reveal that 29% of the total number of primary schools in Northern Ireland last year had no male teacher.
In a statement, Mr Elliott, who is a member of the Stormont Education Committee, said “When I received these figures from the Department I was shocked at the amount of schools which have no male teachers. Out of a total of 884 schools in
“I wish to make it clear that I believe all of our teachers, regardless of sex, are extremely capable, highly trained and do an excellent job under incredibly stressful circumstances. However, these figures leave me deeply concerned as I, like the vast majority of people within society, recognize the importance of having both positive male and female role models. This is true not only within a family environment but also in social aspects of our lives, including school where many of a young person’s views on education and values are shaped.”
“While I accept that historically teaching has often been viewed as principally a female occupation, in the 21st century we really need to start asking why men do not pursue primary school teaching as a career. Worryingly, from discussions I have had with teachers I know and with men who considered a career in the education sector there appears to be four main issues: the lack of status and pay; the perception that primary school teaching is solely a female preserve; fear concerning child protection matters; and the amount of bureaucracy which prohibits teachers from using their time effectively. These issues were raised with me time and time again and are a major factor in putting off so many men from pursuing what is a worthwhile career path.”
“Both I and other Ulster Unionist Party representatives believe it is imperative that we work towards broadening the appeal of the primary school teaching profession to men. Methods of doing this could include focused advertising campaigns, public events and working towards the eradication of unnecessary bureaucracy. However, we also must strive for a change of attitude within wider society. It must be acknowledged that men who become primary school teachers play a valuable role within our communities and can, with their female counterparts, provide children with a wonderful start in life. It is not right that potential male teachers who have much to offer and who wish to teach primary education are labeled as somehow being inferior or less manly than their peers because they want to work with children.”
“All of our primary school teachers are at the frontline of the education system, and play a key role in supporting children through the early stages of their development. I want to make it absolutely clear that I am opposed to a quota, or positive discrimination system for appointments. I feel teachers should be appointed solely on merit and not on their gender. The best person should always get the job, especially when we are talking about the education of our young people.”
“This is why I believe if we are to solve the gender imbalance we must start at the grass routes. When young men are deciding their University degree paths, or older men are seeking a career change, the Department of Education should actively reach out to them and seek to dispel the fears they have about entering the profession. Until we do this the current situation will not be alleviated.”
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