<p>Two of my daughter's best elementary school teachers also were male-one in fourth grade and one in fifth. They were both unusual men. One had been a lawyer in his father's very profitable firm and quit because he LOVED to teach. He gave the kids stamps from his Dad's collection as prizes, he had a rockin' review of current events every morning, paper in hand, and he taught them Latin phrases from the law and elsewhere. The other set up a fully functioning bank in the class, constructed an "archaeological" dig on the school grounds every year, and was just a brilliant, mesmerizing man. We currently have a friend who is teaching the little ones and hates it. His preferred class in eighth grade science. I think the average male prefers older children, and I find that puzzling, considering the number of males I have seen lately who seem to be very involved Dads with their little ones. I suspect that the lack of coaching opportunities and the chance for extra income is a big factor, since men are still frequently the chief breadwinner. You might be on to something with your list, emeraldkity. I laughed out loud at the "You have to be the mature one in the room." ROTFL.</p>