The Educator Perspective: A Case Study Examining the Experiences of LGBTQ Educators with Inclusive Curriculum in K-12 Public Schools

Abstract

This multiple case study explored the lived experiences of LGBTQ educators while they navigated the ongoing disclosure of their sexual orientation and inclusion of LGBTQ curriculum in K-12 public schools. Two main research questions and four sub-research questions guided this study. An electronic questionnaire was used to collect initial information and recruit participants for two rounds of semi structured interviews. The sample population for this study consisted of 8 participants. All eight participants completed the initial questionnaire and the first round of interviews. The first interview focused on the educator’s disclosure and school climate. From the original eight participants, six completed the second round of interviews which focused on inclusive curriculum. Data analysis supported themes and findings which emerged from the coding and are presented according to the research question they address. Research Question 1 found negative and positive experiences LGBTQ educators encountered that are presented according to shareholder groups: (a) administrators, staff, and community, and (b) students. Sub-Research Question 1 had three themes related to the influences school climate had on LGBTQ educators’, and Sub-Research Question 2 findings included the negative, positive, and neutral factors that influence an LGBTQ educator’s disclosure decision. Research Question 2 depicted LGBTQ educators’ experiences with LGBTQ inclusive curriculum. Sub-Research Question 3 identified two themes relating to LGBTQ educators’ feelings toward inclusion. Finally, Sub-Research Question 4 found three shareholder groups: (a) students, (b) school and district, and (c) society. Each group comprised factors that impacted the inclusion of LGBTQ curriculum including (a) barriers, (b) benefits, and (c) support.