Feared, Forgotten, or Forbidden: Sexual orientation topics in secondary teacher preparation programs in the USA

Abstract

This study examined the coverage of sexual orientation topics within 77 public university secondary teacher preparation programs across seven US states, and represented programs preparing 8,300–11,500 teachers annually. Findings indicated that 40% of programs did not address sexual orientation as a diversity topic. Further, even programs that did address sexual orientation tended to abandon the topic in practica courses, perhaps limiting students’ abilities to apply the information to practice. Further findings outlined the types of sexual orientation topics covered in programs and the challenges to addressing sexual orientation topics as reported by coordinators. Conclusions suggest that secondary teacher programs may passively sustain homophobic and heterosexist school cultures through the omission of sexual orientation topics.