Abstract
Purpose. The primary purpose of this descriptive, qualitative, and quantitative study was to identify and describe a set of strategies men use to overcome the three barriers to males entering this field including low status/low pay, stereotypes, and fear-of-abuse allegations. The secondary purpose of this study was to identify and describe what these teachers and site administrators feel are the benefits of male teachers in the primary classroom. Methodology. The subjects in the present study were forty-three male primary teachers and their site administrators. Subjects responded to two research instruments: (1) a mail-in survey regarding three barriers to males entering primary classrooms, including low status/low pay, stereotypes, and fear-of-abuse allegations and benefits the participants perceive to having male teachers in the primary classroom, and (2) an interview providing depth to the information provided in the survey. Findings. Examination of data indicated: (1) The male teachers did not experience or were not concerned about most of the barriers suggested by the literature. (2) Site administrators believe men stay away from the profession because of low pay. (3) The participants find males are positive role models for both boys and girls and provide different perspectives. (4) Male teachers instinctively provide a different teaching style than females. Conclusions. (1) Since the male teachers did not experience these concerns, the researcher concluded this is one reason they made the choice to enter the primary classroom as a teacher. (2) The male primary teachers feel the intrinsic benefits of job satisfaction and a fulfilling career outweigh the barriers. (3) Benefits are significant enough to seek more male primary teachers. (4) Male teachers are needed to meet the diversity needs of students. Recommendations. (1) Preservice teacher programs need to require exposure to primary grades. (2) A positive change in public perception is needed. (3) An increase in pay will assist in drawing males to the profession. (4) Consider primary males as minority hires. (5) Encourage PE majors to get involved with elementary intramurals.