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Persistent Effects of Teacher-Student Gender Matches

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  • Jaegeum Lim
  • Jonathan Meer

Abstract

We exploit data from middle schools in Seoul, South Korea, where students and teachers are randomly assigned to classrooms, and find that female students taught by a female versus a male teacher score higher on standardized tests compared to male students even five years later. We also find that having a female math teacher in 7th grade increases the likelihood that female students take higher-level math courses, aspire to a STEM degree, and attend a STEM-focused high school. These effects are driven by changes in students' attitudes and choices.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaegeum Lim & Jonathan Meer, 2017. "Persistent Effects of Teacher-Student Gender Matches," NBER Working Papers 24128, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:24128
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General

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