How do we motivate boys to learn?

In class on Wednesday we spent a lot of time talking about gender equality in school and how schools have become “feminized” and in doing so, males suffer in the classroom. Research has shown that males have been falling behind females in test scores and behavior. What do these results tell us and how can we motivate boys to learn in a school environment? It seems that by getting male teachers involved in the education of young boys and girls is a key factor in getting all students, especially boys, more engaged and active in their learning. We also discussed how it seems to be a cyclical cause and effect. We want to make classrooms a place conducive for male learning, and we think that having men more involved in the teaching process is key. However, how do we get male teachers to get in front of the classroom? There are so many societal stigmas about male teachers and that seems to play a huge role in deterring them to work with children. Stigmas about inappropriate interaction with students are cause for concern for any male looking into a career in education. Moreover, we discussed the pressure that most men feel to be “the provider” in the family and how the relatively low salary of teachers may be another reason that turns men away from education. How can we change these ideas or stereotypes about men and by men? If research proves that having men in the classroom is the most effective way to level the playing field for girls and boys, would it be appropriate to give bonuses to male teachers to get them into classrooms? This doesn’t only apply to gender. It could also apply to teachers of color. How do we entice minorities to get into the classrooms where we need them?