How is teacher A, a female, different than teacher B, a male in their gender roles? I observed teacher B a little closer last Tuesday to be able to describe how his teaching is different than A in regards to his male gender-ism. Teacher B's voice is not much deeper compared to teacher A but he sure dresses differently.
He is a man and is presence commands respect because he is firm and he loves his work. He stands tall and straight and his mouth is closed as he stares straight ahead. What?! I exclaim to myself, his silence brings everyone to silence themselves. When the class is disruptive or he wants to make a marked point he speaks firmly like a loving father would speak to his unruly child, in just that way. The class laughs when he laughs, and is serious when he is serious. I am not sure if that has to do with his gender but somehow I do.
Teacher A is smiles often to which we respond pleasantly. Sometimes she makes fun of herself and the class seems to relax more. When the class is disruptive or she wants to make a point, she speaks louder and to get every one's attention. Many students will laugh when she laughs and some students find it to be an opportunity to whisper to another student. She deserves as much respect as he does and shares the same degree of passion for teaching as teacher B; but she has to use more energy to receive it. She has to raise her voice more often without being demanding; she has to be more animated to get the eyes on her.
I think this has been the situation and atmosphere since I was in elementary school for teachers of different genders. I am referring to my experience in public schools which from what my parents informed me are different in private Catholic schools. I don't think it will change and that makes men and women different which makes life interesting.
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