Male teachers are a rare sight in schools, especially elementary schools. Andy Niessner is one of the few.

"I hear that often we need more male teachers, more positive male figures," Niessner said.

East Dale Elementary School, like so many elementary schools, has a shortage of men in the classroom. Out of more than 40 teachers, it has only two men.

Gary Price, from the Marion County Board of Education, said the low number is not unusual. In Marion County, there are 200 teachers grades K-6; only 10 of those are men.

"There is a low number of male teachers, and you want more, just like there is a low number of minority teachers, and you want more," Price said.

But state laws prohibit school boards from hiring teachers based on gender, race or any other identifying factor.

"If we had several male applicants, and some female, and the female is the best prospective teacher, I'm going to hire the female," Price explained.

But the problem continues. Those becoming most qualified for teaching are females.

Statistics show that in universities throughout the state, men make up less than 30 percent of students enrolled as education majors.

Pay is one major reason men do not become teachers. Other reasons include social factors and stereotypes.

But one thing most agree on: Not having men in the classroom is a disservice to all school children.

"A lot of kids might not have male figures in their lives if their parents are separated. They need someone they can count on, someone who's positive," Niessner said.

Children can get that through the classroom. While there is a shortage, and really always has been, some are still hopefull more men will join the ranks.

As traditional male jobs, such as mining and construction, become harder to find, men might consider education.

After all, the local school system in many communities often is the biggest employer.