Strengthening Recruitment and Retention of Male Teachers, and Effect of Teacher Gender Diversity on Student Development

90 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Education (a) what measures, if any, have been taken to strengthen the recruitment and retention of male teachers in primary schools; (b) whether the Ministry has assessed the impact of teacher gender diversity on student development and school environment; and (c) if so, whether the Ministry's findings can be shared.

Mr Desmond Lee: The Ministry recruits and assesses applicants based on merit and suitability for the teaching profession, regardless of gender. We look for individuals with a passion for teaching, a belief in the potential of every child, and who possess the values and character to make a positive difference in students' lives.

There are no specific measures targeted at recruiting or retaining male teachers in primary schools nor have we assessed the impact of teacher gender diversity on student development or school environment.

What matters most is the quality of teaching and care for students, and our teachers' ability to nurture every child holistically.