The male teacher shortage: A synthesis of research and worldwide strategies for addressing the shortage

Current concern regarding the lack of male primary school teachers has resulted in initiatives designed to attract men to the teaching profession. However, if marketing and recruitment strategies fail to consider and address the underlying issues that act as barriers to men considering a teaching career, there is little likelihood that the current trend will be halted. This paper identifies the barriers that deter men from primary school teaching, and the extent to which these barriers are addressed by policies and practices designed to attract men to the teaching profession. Strategies utilizing forms of positive gender discrimination and those that rely on alternative solutions are discussed in an attempt to aid policy-makers in developing reforms that are likely to succeed.