Allegations of Sexual Abuse
	False Allegations
	John Edgar case
	Waikato Times August 24, 1999 Men wary of the chalkface by Scott Inglis Women outnumber men by almost four to one among primary teaching staff in New Zealand -- and educators are worried about the imbalance. -------------------- "Since my trial, I've heard many men face accusations -- even if they don't go to court." -- John Edgar -------------------- Nicholas Harmer is a 16-year-old Hamiltonian who loves kids so much he wants to become a primary teacher. "I enjoy kids. I look after kids after school. I'd like to help the younger generation," he says. The Government is looking for more young men like Nicholas. That's because his career choice is not a popular one among males. In recognition of this Education Minister Nick Smith is next month launching a major advertising campaign to attract more men to primary teaching. Dr Smith says the number of male primary teachers has dropped since the 1970s. This year there are 18,394 women primary teachers compared to 4758 men. Last year, 318 men qualified nationally compared with 1420 women. At Waikato University's School of Education, there are 385 women studying to become primary teachers this year, compared with 60 men. The ratio of men at Waikato has dropped 10 per cent since 1993 to 15 per cent this year. In the secondary system, however, there are 7002 male secondary teachers nationwide compared with 7917 females. So why is the primary job so unpopular with men? Educators believe key factors are the risk of sex abuse allegations, and the impression the job is for women and poorly paid. New Zealand Educational Institute president Darrell Ward says the threat of being accused of interfering with children is a major concern for male primary teachers. "It is a very real fear," he says. "It's just that because of the publicity that's been given to cases in the recent past, male teachers feel that has aroused quite a bit of suspicion among parents." Mr Ward says he has heard of cases where male teachers refuse to even touch or pick up a child in distress, preferring to get a woman to do it. "You just don't allow yourself to be put in situations where questions might be asked." He believes this fear needs to be kept in perspective. The union issues a code of conduct for members covering how they should handle certain situations. Waikato School of Education assistant dean (teacher education) Professor Clive McGee agrees but says there is little proof. "I'm certainly of the view that there is quite a lot of concern among potential men teachers." Former Hamilton primary teacher John Edgar, cleared in April last year of alleged indecencies on seven pupils, says any young man considering the profession should think again. Dr Edgar, now studying law at Auckland University, was accused of indecently touching boys at Hukanui Primary but found not guilty following a trial. The accusations cost him his house, job and savings. Dr Edgar said he was unsure how Dr Smith could attract more males to primary teaching under such circumstances. "Since my trial, I've heard many men face accusations -- even if they don't go to court." Experienced Hamilton teacher Ross Leaning, of Woodstock Primary said teachers simply could not treat their pupils the same as they would their own children. "There's that fear that someone will take it the wrong way." But the fear of being accused of interfering with children is only part of the reason. It is believed that secondary teaching has traditionally lured more men because it was better paid. Prof McGee says the pay parity deal reached between the New Zealand Educational Institute and government this year should address that. Primary teachers with a degree now start their careers earning $34,000 -- the same as their secondary counterparts. Prof McGee says it could be two to three years before educators know whether that deal will attract more men. "It could even show up this year -- we're not too sure." Educators also believe prospective teachers were attracted to secondary teaching because it was seen as more elite than primary. Another theory is potential teachers are put off because primary children are more difficult to manage and teachers are expected to act as parents and social workers. "There may be a perception among men that the job is very difficult compared with what they get paid." However, there are more men principals. Education Ministry figures for 1999 show there are 1372 male primary principals compared with 760 females. Prof McGee believes that may be a carry-over from the tradition before the 1970s of women staying home and looking after the kids while men worked in paid jobs. Mr Ward: "The gender balance is all wrong. It's improving but it's not what it should be." He believes that women teachers juggling their jobs with having families is a factor. "Some communities may prefer to have a male principal as opposed to a female." Nicholas Harmer, meanwhile, is determined. He's been to see his Fraser High School careers adviser and has family support. He believes it's crucial to have men in the country's primary schools. Mr Ward believes a long-term approach is needed. The minister acknowledges that: "The advertising campaign is a start." -------------------- CAPTION: AGAINST THE TREND: Hamilton 16-year-old Nicholas Harmer wants to be a primary teacher _ and the Government says more such young men are needed. PICTURE: Peter Drury