About 80% of teachers are females. I would have actually guessed a higher percentage because I work in an elementary school setting.
When looking at superintendents, however, the percentage of females drops to about 33%. This number has actually gone up significantly because the job has become less desirable.
https://aheadoftheheard.org/where-are-all-the-female-superintendents/
Warning: This is only what I've seen from my one point of view, and is only meant to be taken as such.
I believe that males value education as much as females do, and are rooting for the success of the public schools as much as anyone. Why is it that only females are willing to teach? I understand that it is a demanding career, as are many male-dominated fields. Perhaps in the elementary school setting teachers are seen too much as nurtures, but what about high schools? And aren't doctors considered nurtures as well? Excluding pediatrics, gynecology and family medicine, most doctors are male. When I asked my husband he said it was because men aren't patient enough.
I believe that much of the imbalance in education comes from a lack of diversity in the staff, and administration. Students respond to male teachers differently then how they would a female. I also believe that both genders contribute different perspectives and strengths that are much needed in a public school setting.
At my school, we treat the male teachers like jewels. I never stopped to consider it until I wrote a paper on how gender impacts leadership roles. For two years I have had one male team mate (separate teams, and men). They were well-liked in the school, and both were always taken care of. We wrote their lesson plans, did their bulletin boards, printed and ran copies for them, and expected them to need help with things like organization. They are also frequently appreciated/recognized by administration.
I wish women looked out for each other in the same way, but I can't think of any female teacher who was treated as well. I feel like females who ask/need help are considered incompetent especially by the other females.
I do think it's positive that men are valued in schools because there is a need for more male role models for the students. In exchange for running some extra copies, we get a team disciplinary, and a different perspective when planning for a diverse group of students. It does make me wonder if females experience the same treatment in male-dominated fields.
I believe men are more attracted to positions where they could make more money quicker. They tend to flock to positions that fall under the Business Management heading, or legal field. Men are also interested in taking up a trade where they will use their hands more on a physical basis. "Blue Collar" type of job. I also feel that women are a lot more patient when it comes to dealing with kids. I am basing this belief solely in my personal point of reference, because I have not done research on this.
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