Male teachers are, again, on the decline.  Why?  Low pay, for one!  Two-thirds of all teachers, in their 1st thru 5th years, have at least one extra job, after leaving school, or on the weekends!  Historically, women comprise the majority of teachers.  Also, historically, men are the family 'breadwinners.'  Women, therefore, have been much less likely to rebel against employer abuses, and are more accepting of poor wages/benefits.  I've been told many times, "It's just extra money, as my husband is well-paid!" and "We don't teach to get rich, we teach for the kids!"  When I inquire as to what they would do if their husbands lost their jobs, or divorced them, the response is almost ALWAYS, "Well, I'd have to get another job.  We couldn't live on this pay!" 

     70% of female teachers, with husbands in the business world, have marriages that end in divorce!   Why?  Because the husband is the main breadwinner, has outside interests(which may, or may not, originate in the business), and when he has time for vacation, or must travel, he goes.   When he asks his dedicated-teacher wife to accompany him, and she cannot(child-care, testing, new subject, lack of substitutes/sick days, committees, coaching duties, etc.), he then asks his secretary, or whomever else will happily say, "Yes!"(Yeah, I know that this is superficial and simplistic, but more than 50% of marriages now end in divorce!)

     The new school-year has begun - along with this year's negotiations for poor salary/benefits.  Do not allow your  teacher associations/school boards to fail to increase your salaries, commensurate with inflation, etc., or to add limitations and/or increase your out-of-pocket costs for benefits.  Do not allow them to eliminate/restrict future retiree benefits(It will be your turn, someday!)  If they say they are doing it for you - don't believe them - only you know what is best for you!(It's not that I don't trust them - I just don't trust them!)

     Your dedication to the profession is 'for the kids.'  Your salary and benefits are for YOUR kids, YOUR family, and YOUR future!  You are moulding the future, by preparing another generation to prosper in American society, and in the World community.  It's time to practice what you teach!