In the 1970s approximately 30% of teachers were male.  This fell to 25% in the 1980s, and has further declined to approximately 18% in 2005.  What we are looking for now is for parents, teachers and guidance counsellors to encourage young people, especially young men, thinking of their career options to give strong consideration to the very valuable role of a primary school teacher.

The Men As Teachers and Educators Campaign was launched in January, 2006 on foot of a specific recommendation in the Report of the Primary Education Committee, Males into Primary Teaching.

Click on the links below to find out more about choosing primary teaching as a career.

• Press Release 24 January, 2006 - Minister Hanafin begins campaign aimed at attracting men into primary teaching
• Press Release 23 November, 2005 - Minister Hanafin plans campaign to attract more men into primary teaching
• Report of the Primary Education Committee, Males into Primary Teaching
• Basic payscale for primary school teachers 
• In addition to the basic payscale, allowances are payable for qualifications held by teachers.  These allowances are added to the basic rate of pay
• The Teaching Council  
• Primary teacher training is provided by the Colleges of Education, links to which are listed here.
• An Scrúdú Cailiochta Gaeilge 

Primary School Teaching. A career with a difference