Current Issues:-

MALE TEACHER SHORTAGES

I was challenged recently to express some views about the lack of male school teachers, particularly in the primary sector. While there are many points that could be made, I wish to limit myself to just three.

Firstly, the need for students, particularly boys, to have some contact with male teachers, has never been greater. Today it is not uncommon for up to a third of students in any classroom to come from a broken family. Many boys do not have a male at home to provide a strong role model. Human beings are like any other animal, we imitate the actions of those around us. This innate learning is strongest at an early age. For all students, but particularly boys, a balance of male and female teachers would seem highly desirable for their social development.

Secondly, society has done little to encourage men in particular to become teachers. It is common sport to mock teaching as a "cushy" profession with ten weeks holiday per year. This sort of adverse commentary deters many from taking up teaching. We all like to be respected for what we do and perhaps we need to reflect on our opinions of teachers if we wish to see our children being educated by the best and brightest.

The government should research why young men are not choosing to become teachers.

My third comment goes to an issue that again offers serious challenges for us all. As a male, I am now very cautious about stopping and talking to young kids in a public place if their parents are not present. Children are quite rightly taught not to talk to strangers and so it is that we go through life with less and less casual conversation with those we pass in the streets or line up behind in the queue.

One thing that always amazes me is the silence in Melbourne's trams. Despite facing each other less than a foot or two apart, no one speaks to each other when travelling in trams. As a male I feel reluctant to make comment to females due to a fear of being accused of harassment, and a reluctance to talk to children because of the paedophilia shadow that hovers in the background. As a society we have lost trust in each other. Because of their necessary close contact with young children, male teachers are quite responsibly restrained in their actions as educators. Who would want this additional pressure every day in their workplace?

While individual views will be numerous and varied on this subject, I think the one thing most of us will agree upon is the desirability of having a better balance of male and female teachers in the primary sector. And I say this despite my strong belief that females make excellent teachers, perhaps because they have better nurturing instincts than males. But education is equally about social development and academic development and that is why a greater male presence is desirable. It would be interesting to hear the views of young men on this subject.

PETER HALL M.L.C.