This week, a group of Australian primary school principals called for more male primary school teachers, saying boys needed more “male role models”.

The Australian Government Primary Principals Association told a parliamentary inquiry male students were struggling with their schoolwork in part due to a lack of male role models.

So, what is happening with male teacher numbers in primary schools? And what is needed for good role models for boys and for all children?

The proportion of male primary teachers in Australia has been falling steadily for decades. It was around 30% in the 1980s but dropped to below 20% in 2007. As of 2025, 17.6% Australian primary school teachers were male.

However, that figure reflects all male teachers in primary schools, including principals and physical education specialists. So the actual number of men teaching in primary school classrooms is likely to be even lower. Numbers vary slightly from state to state, but are all around 15-20%.

Researchers have even previously suggested male primary teachers could become “extinct” by 2067 if the downward trend continues.

Teachers as role models

Politicians, parents and school leaders have all argued we need more........

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