The effectiveness and distribution of male primary teachers: Evidence from two Mexican states

Although the results of quantitative studies often indicate that students of male teachers perform worse on achievement tests than those of female teachers, it is not clear that men are less effective teachers. Instead, male teachers may work in more difficult environments. This study uses longitudinal data from Mexico's national teacher incentive program to examine the effectiveness and distribution of male teachers in two Mexican states. While we find some evidence that the students of male teachers score lower than those of female teachers, we also find that male teachers are disproportionately concentrated in lower-achieving and rural schools, and in higher-poverty municipalities.

Research highlights▶ Across two Mexican states, we find evidence that the students of male primary teachers score lower than those of female teachers. ▶ We also find that male teachers are disproportionately concentrated in lower achieving and rural schools, and in higher-poverty municipalities. ▶ These results suggest that the location of male teachers is a major determinant of the lower test scores of their students. ▶ The location of male teachers may place them at a disadvantage in a system like Mexico's that rewards salary bonuses in part based on their students’ test scores.