Supporting K–6 Teachers’ Delivery of LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Health and Wellness Education

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Dismantling Social Injustice Among Teachers, Parents, and Students Across Race, Gender, and Sexuality (Table 32)

Abstract

Teachers across the U.S. are currently tasked with navigating a complex and changing set of conditions for LGBTQIA+ students in schools. In this Participatory Action Research (PAR) project, we examine how pre- and in-service elementary school educators in California are prepared to intersectionally address issues of gender and sexuality in classrooms with younger learners, and the extent of their knowledge about specific aspects of state Educational Code and standards related to comprehensive sex, health, and wellness education. Informed by intersectionality and an understanding of teachers as critical policy implementers, we interviewed 15 educators to identify specific areas for intervention. Based on our analysis we suggest short-term and long-term changes to teacher support and preparation, especially in public regional university programs.

Authors

• Allison Mattheis, California State University - Los Angeles

• Carly Humphrey, California State University - Los Angeles

• Yolanda Segura, DePaul USA