Professional Identity Development among Black Lesbian Teachers within the Context of Their Sexual Orientation.

摘要

In using the qualitative method of grounded theory, data was collected from 10 individuals who identified as Black, lesbian teachers from across the United States. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to generate an idea of a new model or refine an existing model that explained the process of developing career and professional identity. In-depth interviews were completed, via in-person and secure video-conferencing. Field observations with field notes and member checking were utilized as tools for maintaining the study's validity. The core themes identified were (a) self-identity versus professional identity, (b) support, (c) trust, and (d) awareness. The subthemes were teachers versus school dynamics and honesty. These findings support the notion that Black lesbians were equipped as any teacher with the tools and knowledge to do their jobs just as effectively as their nonheterosexual counterparts. The findings also found that the more support this population received from their families and communities, there was a positive correlation between increased reports of career and life satisfaction, job efficiency, and productivity. With results from this research, these findings can further assist clinicians, work organizations, and educational policies in aiding to empower career success in Black, lesbian, teachers, their students, as well as other teachers who might be ethnically diverse or nonheterosexual.