The ‘right kind of man’: the ambiguities of regendering the key stage one environment

Abstract

This article considers the issue of recruitment of men into primary teaching, with particular reference to key stage one (for five to seven year olds) in England. The latest UK statistics reveal that there are 26,200 male primary teachers and 141,000 females. However, there are disproportionately greater numbers of male headteachers. The presence of men in this environment is perceived as crucial. The public discourse, then, calls for more men to function as role models, and this article examines the different voices within this discourse. It also surveys the initiatives taken by the UK Government and Teacher Training Agency as part of the recruitment drive to secure more men in the primary sector. The second part of the article presents research undertaken with female teachers. It explores their perceptions and experiences of male teachers at key stage one. Women suggest that rather than recruiting men as a group, what is needed is the ‘right kind of man’. This article considers this notion and concludes that there needs to be greater clarity within the public discourse as to the meaning of male role models and the need for more men working with young children. The voice of female teachers is currently absent from the public discourse. Given their knowledge and experience, women can offer a significant contribution to policy and should have the opportunity to be heard.