Abstracts
Abstract
Critical challenges facing teacher educators at faculties of education is how to prepare teacher candidates to see schools situated in larger social contexts and support their ongoing learning as social justice advocates. Anti-oppressive work that challenges the marginalization of Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Two-Spirited, Queering and/or Questioning (LGBTQ) youth is critical to this work. The purpose of this paper is twofold, first to understand the impact of the Positive Space program on teacher candidates’ reasons and abilities to act as allies and social justice advocates. Second, we explore the process of teacher candidates becoming knowledgeable, empowered, and action-oriented for, with, and as LGBTQ community members and the ways they challenge heteronormativity and the gender binary through the formal and informal curriculum.
Résumé
Les enseignants des facultés en éducation font face à des défis fondamentaux en ce qui a trait à la préparation des futurs enseignants. Comment les amener à voir l’école comme une partie intégrante de contextes sociaux plus vastes ? Comment favoriser leur apprentissage constant comme défenseurs des droits sociaux ? Les approches anti-oppressives qui remettent en question la marginalisation des jeunes lesbiennes, gais, bisexuels, transgenres et queer ou en questionnement (LGBTQ) sont au centre de cette recherche. Cet article a deux visées. Tout d’abord, celui-ci clarifie l’impact du programme Positive Space sur les motivations et habiletés des futurs enseignants à agir comme alliés et défenseurs de la justice sociale. Nous y explorons également le processus vécu par les futurs enseignants pour devenir plus compréhensifs, responsables et orientés vers l’action pour, avec et en tant que membres de la communauté LGBTQ. Nous examinons aussi la manière dont ils remettent en question l’hétéronormativité et la conception binaire des genres via les programmes formels et informels.
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Appendices
Biographical notes
Joanne Tompkins is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at St. Francis Xavier University.
Laura-Lee Kearns is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at St. Francis Xavier University.
Jennifer Mitton-Kükner is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at St. Francis Xavier University.
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Appendices
Notes biographiques
Joanne Tompkins est professeure à la faculté d’éducation de St. Francis Xavier University.
Laura-Lee Kearns est professeure agrégée à la faculté d’éducation de St. Francis Xavier University.
Jennifer Mitton-Kükner est professeure agrégée à la faculté d’éducation de St. Francis Xavier University.