The Current

Diversity program for teachers draws criticism for leaving out men

Men are definitely in the minority when it comes to teaching, especially in elementary schools. But how important is that fact for our children's education? The Current looks at a program that wants to recruit more men teachers as part of their diversity quotients.
Should a program designed to help diversify the mix of classroom teachers be extended to include more male school teachers? (Three Lions/Getty Images)

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The University of Manitoba's Faculty of Education recently announced a new diversity initiative to make sure more people from indigenous, race or other minority backgrounds would become teachers. But men were not included.

Men make up less than 30 per cent of teachers across Canada, and are in the minority especially in elementary schools. 

Some critics of the University of Manitoba's diversity program are pushing for male teachers to be included; but not all agree, saying men do not have active barriers to prevent them from entering the profession.

Guest in this segment:        

  • Melanie Janzen, associate dean in undergraduate programs at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Education.  
  • Douglas Gosse, professor at the Schulich School of Education at Nipissing University.
     

What do you think about the effort to diversify the face of teachers in this country? And how important do you think it is to get more men into the classroom?

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This segment was produced by The Current's Sujata Berry, Ines Colabrese and Kinsey Clarke.