Causes of the decline of male teachers in primary schools

Causes of the decline of male teachers in primary schools

Causes of the decline of male teachers in primary schools. The reasons for the decline or scarcity of male teachers in the Primary have recently come under discussion. Your thoughts and opinions on this subject are welcome. Causes of the decline in male teachers in primary schools. See also: Populated Classroom Affect Academic performance of Students /Pupils.

In addition to having an impact on the education sector, the lack of male primary school teachers, particularly in Australia, is causing a gender gap in the workforce. Around 30% of primary school teachers were male in the 1980s, but as of today, that percentage has steadily decreased to around 18%.

This problem affects Country, not just in Africa or Nigeria. Australia's teacher population was estimated to reach over 288,294 in 2019. There were approximately 81,456 men, leaving 206,838 women, which is a verifiable number.

Causes of the decline of male teachers in primary schools



Australia has about 12 million males and females respectively, why then is it that the number of males who are in the teaching line is way lesser in number nowadays than ever before? It is projected that if it continues this way, the country may end up having less than 10 percent by 2030.

Causes of the decline of male teachers in primary schools

Primary schools are traditionally dominated by women. So this decline in male teachers could be seen as a reflection of the wider gender gap in education. But there may be another reason for the drop. Studies suggest that boys perform less well academically than girls, but that's a suggestion anyways. And when it comes to teaching, it seems that female teachers perform better than their male counterparts due to the special way they engage the students.


This issue came into focus recently after a study found that male primary school teachers tend to be rated lower on their ability to teach children. Researchers analyzed data from two studies conducted in 2014 and 2016. One used a survey of 1,000 primary school teachers in England, while the other surveyed 2,500 primary school teachers in Australia. Both studies asked the same questions about teacher abilities and performance.

The researchers looked specifically at the differences in ratings that male and female teachers received. They discovered that the male teachers received a rating way lower than the females. The general report indicated that male teachers in Australia were rated lower than the two countries.

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Reasons for the Vehement Decline of Male Teachers in Australian Primary Schools

There are several factors that are believed to be responsible for the decline of male teachers at the primary level. In short, low salaries, lack of training opportunities, and lack of job security are some of the major ones. All these we shall discuss to see how they contribute to the decline of male teachers in the country.

1. Lack of motivation

Apart from being paid less than their female counterparts, male teachers do not get any form of recognition for their good work. The scenario has led to many male instructors abandoning the profession even before they retire. The government is interested in the ideals they uphold even if many of them are passionate about what they do and love their jobs. Read Nobel Economist Study Shows Bridge International Academies Chain’s Successful Learning Outcomes.

Perhaps the government believes that because of their masculinity, they can play the fatherly role with ease and is unaware that men require equal recognition to women. Those who continue working in the industry frequently take on extra jobs to bolster their poor salaries.

Speaking truthfully, I don't believe the government deserves to employ them as teachers. Their incentives need to be something the government should commend given that they are basic education teachers. They direct the energies toward tertiary institutions instead of doing that.

2. Unhealthy working conditions

Without a doubt, teaching is a respectable career. However, several experts have deemed the working circumstances for male instructors to be "terrible." Since most kids have poor hygiene and are therefore more likely to get sick, teachers are under pressure to devote more time to caring for their pupils.

The workload increases when class numbers rise, especially when there are more students in each classroom. Most of the time, they give in to their fatherly instincts by unintentionally taking into account the students. Everyone enjoys this, even those who haven't yet begun a family.

3. Gender prejudice

It is typical for women to perform well in some sectors while men typically rule others. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that there are fewer male teachers than anticipated. Male professors consequently find up doing two roles. Their lives are made tough by this, and occasionally it even makes some of them depressed.

4. Low wages

Less money is made by male teachers than by their female counterparts. In contrast to women, who are viewed as dependable workers and are consequently given opportunities to advance, they are also rarely promoted to higher positions. However, because there are fewer kids in grade six and hence less responsibility, female teachers are typically placed in such classrooms. It seems weird, don't you think? But the fact remains.

5. Fewer possibilities

Fewer options for those seeking to enter the field of teaching are caused by the lack of trained and experienced teachers. Universities also favor applicants with degrees in science and technology because women haven't yet fully dominated such fields in society.

Because there are currently more male technologists than female technologists, men appear to be better equipped for even entry-level careers in science-related fields than women in social sciences and the humanities.

Causes of the decline of male teachers in primary schools

One in five primary school pupils, according to estimates, lacks access to male role models at home. Due to a dearth of male role models for guidance and mentoring, boys are falling behind academically in Australia, which is a worrying trend.

Boys without male role models were less likely to finish their schooling than boys with male role models, according to a University of Melbourne study. Boys who experienced bullying were also more likely to leave school, according to the data. Boys need good male role models to show them how to act, especially when it comes to academics.

Solutions to the Decline of Male Teachers in Primary Schools


1. Preparing teachers for change

In order to close the gender gap in education, male teachers' role modeling is crucial. Parents might convey to their sons that they expect them to succeed in school by hiring male teachers. Causes of the decline in male teachers in primary schools. 

One approach to accomplish this is to train male teachers before they work in the classroom. Male teachers can learn how to interact with males, foster a secure learning environment, and promote participation in classes through training programs. In the end, this enhances the possibility that males will assume ownership of their education and develop into self-assured learners.

Male teachers ought to receive training on how to interact with kids of both sexes. They should be aware that teaching methods and how children learn varies for boys and girls. Male educators should not only deliver quality instruction but also promote self-worth in their students. They should be mindful of the social expectations around men and women and refrain from presuming to know how each gender should behave. When kids begin to enter adolescence, this will help to stabilize their mental health.

According to a 2015 Australian Institute of Family Studies report, young men between the ages of 15 and 24 had a four times higher risk of developing mental illness than women in the same age range. While women are more likely to show signs of eating disorders, men frequently experience melancholy, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. By encouraging young men to seek professional therapy if necessary, male teachers can significantly reduce the prevalence of these problems among young people.

Causes of the decline of male teachers in primary schools


Additionally, male teachers must be prepared with coping mechanisms for the difficulties they encounter when working with young guys.

Encourage males to pursue careers in STEM fields. Many male teachers would like to teach math and science to young children, but many lack the courage to do so. Encouragement for these educators to apply their knowledge and experience in primary schools could have a significant impact on our future labor force.

Gender stereotypes must go. In today's society, being a boy or girl is defined by unattainable expectations. Instead of attempting to change differences, we must teach children to accept them.

Teach kids how to utilize the internet. The lack of time to learn about technology is a major cause of problems for students today. If we want to improve education, we must begin by teaching students how to use technology in the classroom.

2. Boost your pay

Compared to other occupations, teaching pay is modest. The National Union of Teachers' research indicates that the average income for a primary school teacher is $23,600, up from £22,000 in 2012. 90% of instructors reported being unsatisfied with their jobs, according to a poll released the previous year.

Raising educational standards will raise pay. Teachers at secondary schools make, on average, more than $60,000 per year. Increased pay may persuade more males to think about a career in education.

3. Prioritize STEM fields of study

If students want to prepare themselves for the workforce, they must master three fundamental subjects: mathematics, science, and technology. Boys typically perform well in science, but ladies do well in math. However, roughly 60% of primary school teachers are still male.

Children who don't have adequate early exposure to a variety of topic areas suffer from this imbalance. While boys are urged to concentrate on physical sciences, girls are frequently taught about art and music. There are consequently fewer female scientists than before.

By promoting STEM classes in schools more, it is possible to shift this equilibrium. This can entail ensuring that lessons are taught utilizing interactive strategies and assisting students in honing their programming and design abilities.

Causes of the decline of male teachers in primary schools


Summary
In conclusion, the inequality in the teaching profession in Australia is a problem that can be fixed. I believe that a significant portion of the root issue depends on the Australian Government's assistance after listing and discussing it. When they declare it a concern, the matter will be resolved.

Once more, this is not something that will happen overnight. It will take time. No, balancing it would require at least ten years of diligent work.




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