Dr. Heather McEntarfer
Dr. Heather McEntarfer is co-author of the paper, “'It Has Made Me Stronger:' The Strengths of Trans and Nonbinary Teachers."
Co-written by Department of English Associate Professor McEntarfer and Dr. Matthew Rice of Bard High School Early College, the paper was published the Oct. 16 issue of the Journal of Queer and Trans Issues in Education.
The researchers drew on data from two qualitative studies they previously carried out; both focused on interviews with trans and non-binary teachers. They asked what strengths the teachers themselves tied to their own gender identities and gender histories, and also what relevant strengths they (Drs. McEntarfer and Rice) could identify from the teachers' interviews.
Trans issues are addressed in ENED 255: Adolescent Literature (formerly ENED 355), McEntarfer noted, and she often refers to some of the stories or examples from that journal research in that course.
Their findings revealed a range of strengths connected to the teachers' identities and related experiences. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the teachers shared stories and examples of ways they supported LGBTQ youth, and particularly trans and nonbinary youth. Their examples demonstrated the teachers' commitment to that work and the knowledge they brought to it.
Many also described how they challenged gendered stereotypes and assumptions in schools, and how their identities and experiences helped them connect with students. Several said they approached students and the world in holistic ways less defined by categories or "boxes" related to gender, but also in broader ways that enabled them to open up possibilities for students.
The article is publicly available here
