Ryan Harlan finds himself the minority in many of his classes, being one of a few males at Eastern majoring in education.

Most teachers have historically been females, and that does not seem to be changing, said Craig Dixon, assistant principal of Mattoon High School.

Harlan declared his major in fall 2004.

“[Being the only guy in class] actually doesn’t bother me,” Harlan said. “It makes me more comfortable.”

Dixon said 25 of 85 teachers employed at Mattoon High School are male.

“For many men, it is too difficult to support a family on a teacher’s salary,” Dixon said.

High job security and great supply and demand are benefits of the job, he said.

Dixon has been in the education realm for 29 years and in administration for 3 years, so he has been able to observe people on the job.

“Overall, I would say that it’s mostly tradition for the women, because the women can spend nine months teaching,” Dixon said. “They can then spend three months with their kids.”

Harlan counts a special education teacher from his hometown of LaGrange, Ga. as an inspiration.

“He coached gymnastics and also mentored six of those who are handicapped after school,” Harlan said.

Harlan’s connection with the mentally challenged started when he connected with some students in his classes growing up.

“For some reason, I was one of the few that interacted well with them,” he said.

Harlan thinks men might actually have an advantage in the education field, and has advice for them.

“If (the men) stick through teaching, they can get a job easier,” Harlan said. “It seems like more schools are looking for men.”

In rare instances, when the school is looking for a candidate to be both a football coach and teacher, a man might likely be hired, Dixon said.

The official number of males majoring in any area of education at Eastern could not be found.