British government policy on teacher recruitment gives a high priority to increasing the number of male teachers, particularly in primary schools. This focus stems from concern to challenge 'boys' underachievement': policy-makers believe that 'matching' teachers and pupils by gender will improve boys' engagement with school. Yet there is little…

In England, Scotland and other countries, policy-makers often depict the targeted recruitment of men to the teaching profession as a panacea for male underachievement and disaffection from school. It is commonly assumed that the gender gap in achievement stems from the dearth of male role models in teaching, especially at primary level. Giving…

In recent years, policy-makers in England, Australia and other countries have called for measures to increase male recruitment to the teaching profession, particularly to the primary sector. This policy of targeted recruitment is predicated upon a number of unexamined assumptions about the benefits of matching teachers and pupils by gender. For…

A number of countries are running role model recruitment drives under the assumption that like is good for like: ethnic minority teachers should teach ethnic minority children, women should teach girls, and so on. The empirical basis for this would appear to be case study and personal reflection. This article will examine quantitative data to test…

Weighs the strengths and weaknesses of current policies on gender, ethnicity, and teaching in England and Wales. Critically examines the "role model" theory of teacher recruitment. Discusses the dilemmas encountered by male entrants to primary teaching and ethnic minority students preparing to teach in either primary or secondary…

Investigates the recruitment of new teachers with minority ethnic backgrounds using the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses in England. Curriculum uses interviews with staff at teacher training institutions. Reports there are differences among institutions related to attracting minority ethnic students. Includes references. (CMK)

Examined data from a surveys and interviews with British Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) staff and students about participation of ethnic minorities in PGCE, noting students': motives for entering teaching, images of teaching, factors influencing their choice, training experiences, and perceptions of constraints on minority…