We explore the ideology associated with gender equality that despite primary schools and initial teacher education (ITE) institutions doing all they can to recruit men into primary education, a huge gender imbalance still exists. We frame our study around the notions of gender equality and professional responsibility. Using a multi-case study…

This article presents findings from a study of 14 heads of construction in further education colleges in England as they manage the transition of new construction lecturers from a culture of hypermasculinity to one of emotional labour and caring. It focuses firstly on the dilemmas faced by heads of construction at the recruitment stage before…

A gender-diverse workforce is becoming the global goal for high-quality early childhood programming. Having a balance of female and male early care and education (ECE) professionals supports greater flexibility in the gender role expectations of young children and helps girls and boys avoid stereotypic assumptions about gender. This article lists…

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…

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…

Growing concerns about the experience and achievement of Black pupils (especially Black males) underpin calls for more Black people to serve as teacher and lay mentor role models in schools. Calls for increased numbers of Black teacher role models assume firstly, that Black teachers regard themselves as role models and want to perform such a role…

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…