STUDY: MARKETING NEEDED TO ATTRACT MALE TEACHERS
By Adnews Staff
A study conducted by a group of Ontario educators has recommended that the provincial government fund a three-year marketing campaign to draw more men to the teaching profession. The study, called "Narrowing the Gender Gap: Attracting Men to Teaching," was undertaken by members of the Trillium Lakelands District Schoolboard, Conseil scolaire de district du Centre-Sud-Ouest, the Laurentian University English Language School of Education and the Ontario College of Teachers. According to this group, only one in three Ontario teachers is male. Among primary and junior school teachers under the age of 30, only one in ten is male. The study cited low salaries, negative stereotypes and fears of sexual misconduct allegations as the primary causes of the gender imbalance. Along with other recommendations, the study suggests an intensive marketing campaign aimed at young men about to choose a career will be needed to counter these perceptions and promote the advantages of teaching.