Bridget Sweet
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Stephen Paparo
University of Massachusetts–Amherst

Title:
Where Are They Now?: A Follow-Up Inquiry With a Gay and a Lesbian Former Preservice Music Teacher

Abstract:
In 2012, we conducted a study to examine the experiences of two music student teachers–Brett who self-identified as gay and Nicole who self-identified as lesbian. We specifically investigated how each of them negotiated and assimilated their personal identity with their developing professional music teacher identity. Findings highlighted the challenges that these student teachers encountered with being “out”, interacting with their cooperating teachers, and navigating the school environment (Authors #1 and #2, 2014).

Since the initial study, Nicole has been employed as a full-time music educator and Brett has not pursued a career in music education. In this follow-up study, we examine their current reflections on past perceptions of identity negotiation as documented in our previous research as well as personal and environmental factors that influenced their decisions to continue as a music teacher following student teaching. Data sources include written reflections and responses to question prompts, as well as individual interviews. Currently, data has been collected; both within-case and cross-case examinations will be conducted.

This study contributes to the growing body of literature on gay music teachers working within heteronormative spaces (Furman, 2011; Haywood, 2011; Natale-Abramo, 2011, 2014) and further explores the importance of support for gay and lesbian music educators (e.g., Donahue, 2007; Palkki, 2015). We anticipate that factors related to teacher retention, mentoring, and participation in our original study may emerge as themes of this investigation.