Radio Netherlands WorldWide

Dutch Christian Democrats (CDA) have called for an increase in the number of male teachers in primary schools. CDA MP Jan Jacob van Dyke claims that children are better off if they are taught by both men and women. At the moment, the majority of primary school teachers are women. According to the CDA, teacher training colleges need to change their curriculum in order to attract more male students.

Education Minister Ronald Plasterk says it is unnecessary to change the curriculum at teacher training colleges as the number of men entering the profession will increase after proposed salary increases go into effect.