ERIC Number: EJ1378381
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1099-839X
Responding to Heteronormativity: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Asexual Preservice Teachers' Dreams and Fears
Bower-Phipps, Laura
Current Issues in Education, v21 n1 2020
Heteronormativity, the "privileging of heterosexuality through its normalization" (Jackson, 2006, p. 109), causes confusion and anxiety for many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and asexual preservice teachers as they consider how they will talk about their lives with students. This article explores how preservice teachers have experienced the normalization of heterosexuality and the ways in which these experiences will shape their professional practices. Focus group and follow up interviews with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and asexual preservice teachers were analyzed using a constant comparison method. Findings suggest that participants' professional vision was largely a response to heteronormativity. They wanted to be out, be role models, and create safe spaces; yet they felt unable to achieve this vision in what they perceived as heteronormative school climates. Implications for teacher preparation programs and policies include the importance of equipping all preservice teachers to identify and disrupt heteronormativity in schools.
Descriptors: Preservice Teachers, LGBTQ People, Fear, Sexual Orientation, Student Experience, Educational Environment, Social Influences, Social Attitudes, Educational Practices, Teacher Behavior, Influences, Student Attitudes
Arizona State University, Mary Lou Fulton Institute and Graduate School of Education. Deans Office, P.O. Box 870211 Payne 108, Tempe, AZ 85287. Tel: 480-965-3306; Fax: 480-965-6231; e-mail: cie@asu.edu; Web site: https://cie.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/cieatasu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A