Starting in 2029, students in Dutch teacher training programs can choose to become teachers for either older or younger children. This initiative aims to make teaching in primary education more appealing to men.
State Secretary Paul of Education highlights the importance of students, aged 4 to 12, having male teachers. Currently, only 13% of primary teachers are men.
The coalition of PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB supports this split in teacher training as a way to address the teacher shortage. Students will choose from teaching children aged 4-8 or 9-12.
Those trained for younger children cannot teach older groups without additional qualifications. The Dutch Ministry of Education will collaborate with schools to draft legislation, expected to take four years to implement.
Source: NOS