First thought, "well duh!"

Second thought: I think the way the teacher teaches is the bigger factor- if you are able to connect and adapt better to the students' learning style, you will have a greater impact, regardless if you are the same gender or not.

I have seen many boys completely "railroad" a male teacher, and completely shudder when they see a female one. The quality of their work, school experience and learning? Now that's a different matter!

All true but...

More than a decade ago I saw work done on areas where no only was there no males in the school but there was none in the home either. Successful males from the community brought in to assist the female teacher proved very helpful.

All children should have "successful" [meaning strong, well-rounded and good, etc.] role models, female and male, regardless what gender they are- ditto for culture, abilities, etc. It's the best way to show them that it doesn't matter what gender/culture/abled you are- everyone can contribute amazing things to society.

I definitely agree with the male teachers/role models. However....now-a-days, many of us are afraid of male teachers as we've read the news too many times. A sad commentary on society, I would agree. But there are so few of them who truly have a view to modeling manly behavior. When you find one....give them recognition and encouragement.