THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED: STRAIGHT MEN IN TEACHING PROFESSION

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to describe the views of identified straight men about the teaching profession and the challenges they faced. There were five straight men teachers identified by the screening committee who participated in this study. The five cases of this study revealed that there is a vital need for straight men teachers because of their perceived edge of male over female and gay teachers. They also viewed the motivating concerns for teaching and the deterring issues in teaching. Challenges faced by straight men includes insecurities in early teaching years handling of heterogeneous students interpersonal relations with colleagues and stringent adherence to policies. The five straight men see themselves as a role model and father figure to both male and female students who do not have a real father at home and are deprived of the love and care of a father. They considered their role as a firm decision maker that bears a firm leadership. All participants have marked difference and uniqueness across the case.