Teacher Perceptions of Gender-Based Differences among Elementary School Teachers

• Main Author: Tracy Darrin Wood
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kura Publishing 2012-03-01
• Series: International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education
• Subjects: Teacher Gender; Differences; Elementary Education; Perceptions; Male Teacher
• Online Access: http://www.iejee.com/4_2_2012/IEJEE_4_2_Wood_317_345.pdf

The purpose of this study was to examine teacher perceptions of gender-based differences among elementary school teachers. In this mixed-methods study, the researcher utilized an online survey to collect data. Quantitative analysis revealed no statistically significant differences; however, qualitative analysis showed that there were more negative responses to survey statements pertaining to males. More than half of the participants perceived differences between female and male elementary teachers, including beliefs that female teachers are more nurturing, that male teachers are more laidback, and that male teachers are more dominant and commanding with students. Four conclusions were drawn: elementary teachers perceive differences between female and male teachers, male elementary teachers are perceived more negatively than female colleagues, a vast majority of participants feel that more male elementary teachers are needed in the elementary schools, and differences between female and male elementary teachers remain unclear.