STUDIES have shown that the scarcity of men in teaching positions in Australian classrooms has left many children without an ability to relate to a male role model.
In light of this, a decision by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission not to allow a scheme in Sydney Catholic schools which would attract more men to teaching would appear to be shortsighted and more about political correctness than equality.
Both girls and boys would benefit from any incentive to attract more men to the teaching profession.
Education is more than about learning how to read and write.
It is a foundational experience for life which, particularly in Catholic schools, needs to embrace both the social and faith aspects.
The current gender imbalance among teachers in schools is not benefiting the adults of the future.
