Why We Need More Men In Teaching
Discover why having more men in teaching is vital for education. Explore the benefits of male role models in classrooms and how gender diversity supports students’ growth.
Introduction
Teaching is one of the most influential professions in shaping the next generation, but it’s also one of the most imbalanced. Across schools in the UK and beyond, men make up only a small fraction of the teaching workforce, especially in early years and primary education.
This isn’t just a numbers issue – it affects children, schools, and society as a whole. Having more men in teaching brings diverse perspectives, positive role models, and challenges outdated stereotypes about who “should” educate. In this blog, we’ll explore why we need more men in teaching, the benefits they bring, the barriers holding them back, and what can be done to encourage more men into the profession.
The Current Landscape
Despite teaching being one of the most influential professions in shaping the next generation, the UK teaching workforce remains predominantly female. As of the 23/24 academic year, women comprised 76% of all teachers in England.
The gender imbalance is particularly pronounced in primary and early years education, as in primary and nursery schools, only 14% of teachers are male. This increases to 35% in secondary schools. This disparity is even stronger in certain regions, with research indicating that in the North East of England, nearly 30% of primary schools have no male classroom teachers at all, whereas London has one of the highest male teachers percentages in the country. These regional disparities highlight the needs for targeted strategies to encourage more men to enter the teaching profession.
Why Representation Matters
Representation in the classroom isn’t just about ticking a diversity box – it has a real impact on students, schools, and society. When children see teachers from a variety of backgrounds and genders, it broadens their understanding of the world and shows them that anyone can take on any role.
- Positive Role Models - For many pupils, especially in primary schools, a teacher may be one of the first consistent adult figures outside of their family. Having male teachers alongside female teachers ensures children grow up with a balance of role models. Boys in particular may feel encouraged to engage more with learning when they see men teaching, while girls benefit from seeing men in caring and supportive roles, challenging outdated stereotypes.
- Breaking Gender Stereotypes - When men are underrepresented in teaching, particularly in early years and primary education, it reinforces the idea that teaching is a “women’s job.” This not only limits boys’ perceptions of what they can aspire to but also perpetuates the belief that nurturing, patience, and care are inherently “female” qualities. By increasing the presence of male teachers, schools help dismantle these gendered assumptions.
- Diverse Perspectives - Diversity among staff benefits everyone. Male teachers often bring different life experiences, approaches to problem-solving, and teaching styles, which add richness to the classroom environment. A workforce that reflects both genders allows for more balanced discussions and creates a school culture that values inclusion.
Benefits of Having More Men in Teaching
Bringing more men into teaching doesn’t just change the statistics, it changes the culture of education. The benefits are felt by pupils, schools, and society as a whole.
A Fuller Learning Experience - Different teaching styles, life experiences, and perspectives mean pupils are exposed to a richer way of learning. This balance can spark new approaches in the classroom and make lessons more engaging for different types of learners.
Stronger Behavioural Outcomes - Some studies suggest that boys, in particular, respond positively to male role models in school, with improvements in confidence, behaviour, and participation. While great teachers come in all genders, diversity in staff helps schools meet the varied needs of students.
Better Staff Dynamics - A mixed teaching team creates more balance in staffrooms and leadership groups. This diversity fosters collaboration, reduces unconscious bias, and helps schools reflect the communities they serve.
Challenging Gender Norms in Society - Having more men in nurturing, education-focused roles helps shift perceptions in wider society. It shows that qualities like care, patience, and empathy are not gendered—and that both men and women can thrive in any profession.
Barriers Stopping Men from Entering Teaching
If the benefits are so clear, why aren’t more men choosing teaching as a career? The reality is that several barriers, both practical and cultural, still discourage men from stepping into the classroom.
- Persistent Stereotypes - teaching, especially in primary and early years, is still widely seen as a ‘female profession’. This perception can make men feel out of place or worry that they won’t be taken seriously in the role.
- Stigma and Misconceptions - some men hesitate to work with young children due to unfounded suspicions or social stigma. This creates unnecessary pressure and discourages talented candidates who would otherwise thrive in education
- Pay and Workload Concerns - teaching is often seen as demanding yet undervalued, with heavy workloads and relatively modest pay compared to other graduate professions. For some men, this makes other career paths feel more appealing or financially secure.
- Lack of Visible Pathways - many young men simply don’t consider teaching because they don’t see other men in the profession. Without strong role models or awareness campaigns, it’s easy to overlook teaching as a rewarding and respected career choice. That is exactly why we offer a course especially designed to get men into teaching. Check it out here for more details.
How We Can Encourage More Men Into Teaching
Encouraging more men into teaching requires a cultural shift as well as practical action. One of the biggest challenges is breaking the stereotype that education, particularly in primary and early years, is a “women’s profession.” This perception can be tackled through careers education in schools, positive awareness campaigns, and showcasing teaching as a respected and rewarding career for both men and women. Sharing the stories of male teachers who are thriving in their roles is particularly powerful, as it normalises men in nurturing positions and helps inspire others to consider the profession.
Support also plays a crucial role. Male teachers can sometimes feel isolated, especially in schools where they are the only man on staff. Mentorship programmes, networking opportunities, and supportive school cultures can go a long way in making the profession feel more inclusive. Alongside this, broader issues like workload and pay need to be addressed. By reducing burnout, ensuring fair compensation, and promoting a healthier work-life balance, teaching becomes a more attractive career path for everyone – and more men may begin to see it as a viable, long-term profession.
Conclusion
The lack of men in teaching isn’t just a numbers issue, it has a real impact on how children see the world, how schools operate, and how society understands gender roles. By encouraging more men into the profession, we can offer pupils a wider range of role models, bring fresh perspectives to classrooms, and challenge the stereotypes that still limit both boys and girls.
At The Childcare Company, we’re passionate about changing this. That’s why we offer a Level 3 Early Years Educator – Men in Childcare Apprenticeship, designed to support more men into rewarding roles within early years education. The programme not only provides high-quality training but also helps break down barriers and reshape perceptions of who belongs in the classroom.
Change won’t happen overnight, but with better awareness, stronger support, and initiatives like our Men in Early Years course, we can build a more balanced and inclusive teaching workforce. Ultimately, what matters most is ensuring that every child has access to diverse, inspiring educators who help them reach their potential, and that means making room for more men in our classrooms.
Both the Impact Futures and The Childcare Company brands are used interchangeably for both Impact Futures Training Limited and The Child Care Company (Old Windsor) Limited.