Queer Educators in Schools: The Experiences of Four Beginning Teachers

Authors

  • Joanne Tompkins St. Francis Xavier University
  • Laura-Lee Kearns St Francis Xavier University
  • Jennifer Mitton Kükner St. Francis Xavier University

Abstract

What are the experiences of beginning queer educators? We followed four LGBTQ-identified teachers as they began their teaching careers. As pre-service teachers, they took on leadership roles advocating for LGBTQ-inclusive education. Their stories were diverse: from feeling empowered and accepted, to being conflicted about coming out, to being the sole advocate for LGBTQ-inclusive education, to experiencing school leadership and climates that ranged from supportive to hostile. We are encouraged by their resilience and agency, yet deeply concerned by some of their negative experiences. Systemic work remains to be done not only for LGBTQ youth but also for LGBTQ educators in schools.

Author Biographies

Joanne Tompkins, St. Francis Xavier University

Professor, Faculty of Education

Laura-Lee Kearns, St Francis Xavier University

Associate Professor, Faculty of Education

Jennifer Mitton Kükner, St. Francis Xavier University

Associate Professor, Faculty of Education

Downloads

Published

2019-07-12

How to Cite

Tompkins, J., Kearns, L.-L., & Mitton Kükner, J. (2019). Queer Educators in Schools: The Experiences of Four Beginning Teachers. Canadian Journal of Education/Revue Canadienne De l’éducation, 42(2), 384–414. Retrieved from https://journals.sfu.ca/cje/index.php/cje-rce/article/view/3448