Colman Noctor: Children need to see more male teachers in primary school 

In many ways, the idea of a male primary school teacher or children’s mental health nurse does not fit people’s expectations of the role males should have in society.

Young boys don’t see many male teachers, so they are less likely to consider that role when choosing a career. Picture: iStock

IRELAND has one of the highest percentages of female primary teachers in the EU, at 85.8%. This skewed statistic highlights the cultural values that deter males from applying for a career teaching young children.

I have first-hand experience working in a female-dominated profession as I trained as a nurse when I left school.