FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bryan G. Nelson

MenTeach
P.O. Box 6778
Minneapolis, MN 55406-0778
(612) 724-3430
www.MenTeach.org
bgnelson@post.harvard.edu

Why are there so few men teaching? A response to the National Education Report.
Minneapolis, MN – October 3, 2003 – If you walk into any classroom in the United States,
you're unlikely to find a man teaching there.

A National Education report shows the percentage of men teaching at a 40 year low at 21%.

Why are there so few men teaching?

According to MenTeach director, Bryan G. Nelson, "There are three main reasons why there are so few men teaching."

"First, stereotypes, some people believe that teaching is 'women's work' and that men are not nurturing or caring enough.

Second, the fear of accusation of abuse; some people believe that men teachers will harm children.

And, third, the low status and low pay of the profession keep men away and discourage them from remaining as teachers."

Nelson goes on to explain, "Many people believe that low pay is the only reason men don't teach. That's not the entire story.
Low pay is certainly an important reason, but not the only reason. According to our national study, most people want men
to work with young children, but some have concerns."

What can be done to help recruit more men to teach?

There are four strategies to helping men become teachers.

1. Challenge stereotypes - Ask men to be teachers. High school boys, men leaving the military, men who have lost their jobs
due to downsizing.

2. Ensure children's safety - Develop a nurturing policy. Make certain there are policies in place that protect children and
maintain an environment that is nurturing children's learning.

3. Pay teachers more - Increase the starting pay of teachers. Attract and hire the best and brightest men to be teachers.

4. Supplement teacher training - Provide support to make teacher training responsive to men. Just as there are special math
and science programs for girls and women, offer unique programs for boys and men.

For additional information about men teaaching young children, contact: info@MenTeach.org.

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