Teaching ‘seen as a female profession’

Posted 30 Aug 2010

Teaching has developed an image in England and Wales as a female profession, it has been suggested.

More women than men tend to gravitate towards education, whether in the form of jobs in the UK or opportunities to teach English abroad.

According to the General Teaching Council for Wales, there is no over-arching reason why this is the case, but it is particularly true in classes for younger children.

Gary Brace, chief executive of the body, said: "Teaching is perceived as a nurturing role – particularly in early years and primary schools – which may be something that is attractive to women."

However, he said that nothing about a career in teaching should make it better for women than men, and went so far as to recommend it to men made redundant from high pressure jobs as a potentially "preferable" career choice.

With high numbers of men and women losing their jobs in sectors such as banking and finance, spending some time teaching English abroad could provide them with insight as to whether or not a career in education is for them.
 

Category: Teaching and Learning