#1: Role modelling:
Male teachers serve as valuable role models for young boys. And, why only boys? Male teachers offer both boys and girls an alternative model of masculinity.
According to Raju Joshua, teacher at Campus K, “Male teachers provide a male role model for boys who have absent fathers… They are also important in either reinforcing views of masculinity or forming a new view of masculinity.” Santhosh Kumar from Chettinad Harishree Vidyalam rightly points out, “Having a male teacher can help boys share their emotions, which they may hesitate to share with other gender.”
#2: Diverse perspectives:
The learning environment is richer with the diverse perspectives that men and women teachers bring into the classroom. This goes a long way in the all-round development of youngsters. According to Prashanth Verma from K C High school, “The balance and variety of perspectives that [male teachers] bring to the table is a breath of fresh air. The conventional role of female teachers being a maximum is slowly breaking down and this is a welcome sight!”
#3: Varied teaching styles:
To make a broad generalization, male and female teachers sometimes have different styles of teaching. Some students think that female teachers tend to ‘mother’ students more, while male teachers may use more humour and banter in the classroom. Dhananjayan R. from Lady Andal IB school feels that “male teachers……bring different teaching methodologies and strategies, and thereby add diversity and differentiation in instructions that enrich the classroom experience.”
#4: Breaking gender stereotypes and fostering inclusivity:
According to Dhananjayan R. from Lady Andal IB School, “Male teachers can also challenge traditional gender roles and promote equality.” Students grow up learning that there are no specific role that each gender has to conform to. Isn’t that one of the most invaluable ‘lessons’ that a school can impart to its students?
Prashanth Verma of KC high school says,” When one uses a microphone to address a whole school gathering and shares an anecdote about a teacher, the greatest win for that school is when the person says, “He or she….” Then ‘inclusion’ moves a step closer to reality from being a concept.” Having male teachers in schools encourages men to consider teaching as a viable and rewarding career option, which contributes to a more balanced gender representation in education.
#5: Real world preparation:
If school aims at preparing students to face the real world, then exposure to both male and female teachers surely equips the students more effectively for life outside the school gates.
We hope that in the coming years, more and more men find teaching a fulfilling career and join schools. We’d like to say a special “Thank You” to all our male educators for breaking down barriers and making a difference.
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