All professionals in education would agree we need more males in the primary classroom ( TES March 9). Sadly, the statistics show a steady decline in the number of men entering teaching.

The reasons are complex, but those of us who have looked at this realise that recruiting men to primary teaching may be hampered by the belief that it’s women’s work, with poor pay and conditions and low morale.

Once on a training course,nbsp;men are over-represented in the number of drop-outs. On the other hand, women are under-represented at senior management level in primary schools. We need more male teachers at all levels, but particularly in our classrooms to bring about a balanced workforce.

Pamela Lewis
Senior lecturer in education, Canterbury Christ Church University College