An Athlone student teacher says it's very difficult for young men to consider teaching when male teachers are so rare in the profession.
Patrick Henry wants the Education Minister to change the perception that primary teaching is a female role by supporting more initiatives that highlight the positive impact male teachers have on the lives of students.
The second-year Hibernia student says he isn't surprised that recent Teaching Council of Ireland figures suggest men make up only 20 percent of primary-level teachers. There are only 4 males in the Athlone student's class his of 23 students.
He says it would be very good to see more men becoming teachers as he believes the primary education field is very rewarding.
''What you're doing, having an impact on students is hard describe. The influence you can have on people is second to none, it's a great thing to see and unless you actually do it, it's hard to actually describe but I think how influential you can be on certain people is fantastic I think anyway.''
