Posted 31 Oct 2008

A primary school teacher in north-west England has called for more men to enter the teaching profession.

Pete Bennett, a teacher in the Wirral area, stated that male teachers can be a positive role model to children, in particular young boys.

Speaking to the Birkenhead News, he said this is particularly true in the case of people from single-parent families, as they may not have a male father figure in their lives.

Mr Bennett commented: "Children need both male and female role models as they grow up."

However, he admitted the image of primary school teachers is widely seen as a role typically occupied by women.

Therefore, he believes some men are being put off by the idea of entering a traditionally female-dominated profession.

Meanwhile, Philip Parking of the teaching union Voice has said males need to be confident that by becoming a teacher, they will be valued by society.

He told the East Anglian Daily Times that a long period of "changing attitudes" lies ahead.

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