The teaching profession is largely made up of women, but less so in managerial positions, according to figures requested by Flemish MP Karolien Grosemans (N-VA).
In the 2021-2022 school year, more than 74% of the teaching staff in Flanders were women. Ten years earlier, the figure was 70%.
Education statistics, however, show that there are big differences between education levels. In secondary education, 63% of staff are women, whereas that number rises significantly in primary education, to 87%.
Furthermore, the percentage of women in management positions is much lower. In the positions of director (including deputy), coordinator and other managerial jobs, only 56% are women. While this is an increase from 52% five years ago, Grosemans wants to encourage more women to step into leadership roles.
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The Flemish minister also desires to break the stereotypes around men in the teaching profession.
"When we talk about role models in the classroom, we need to make sure the gender balance is more balanced again," Grosemans said. "I continue to advocate for breaking stereotypes and raising the status of the teaching profession."
