Men Who Teach

According to The Tampa Tribune, male teachers make parents nervous. From my point of view as both teacher and parent, men are a godsend. Education wouldn't be nearly as effective without them.

Most teachers are female. Combine lower wages and a career that operates less like a business and more like a dysfunctional family - it's no wonder men look elsewhere for employment. However, students benefit from different world views and experiences. One advantage to paying our teachers a better salary would be attracting more men into the workplace. They'd bring new ideas and points of view. Not to mention a certain charm...but I digress.

Elementary schools are suffering from lack of male perspectives. Perhaps men steer clear of early education for the same reasons I do - annoying children and too much estrogen in the teacher's lounge. I'd rather haul trash; however, my hat's off to those who can handle uptight marms in support hose while exposing our young children to a diverse teaching population. When spotting a male teacher in my childrens' school, I give a grateful smile and encouraging word. Before checking out his abs, of course...but I digress.

As grades go up, men are a common site in the halls and more accepted in a traditionally female environment.

Or are they?

Most male colleagues complain of unwanted attention. They don't really complain, now that I think about it, they just remark matter-of-factly that sexual tension exists when women outnumber men twenty-to-two. One grade-school teacher I know is routinely referred to as a "great piece of ass" by female teachers. In their defense, though, he does pack the heat... but I digress.

Female/male ratios relax in higher education, but men are still in the minority. This sometimes has unexpected consequences.

For example, after prolonged exposure to women, men exhibit sensitive qualities. In other words, they get their "b*tch on". Some tend to gossip, others get teary-eyed, and most overshare at faculty meetings. Afterwards, they compensate by engaging in traditionally macho activities like coaching and hitting happy hour. Still others go further with online encounters, drunken late-night phone calls, and strip club outings.

Thank God, by the way, otherwise I'd die of boredom...again, I digress.

Say it loud and proud - despite articles to the contrary, we appreciate our male teachers. They add a needed dose of testosterone and bring with them a breath of fresh air.

And ladies, let's not forget about those abs.