Abstract: A survey of gay, Lesbian, and bisexual teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) concerning their roles as teachers, working conditions, and peer relationships is reported. Data were gathered from 17 written questionnaires and 13 telephone interviews. An introductory chapter gives a brief history of the organization of homosexual members of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and an overview of the study's design. Chapter 2 analyzes responses concerning work issues outside the classroom: hostile or supportive organizational climate; coming out to colleagues; hiding at work; administrator attitudes; institutional policies and benefits; homophobia and career decisions; and other forms of oppression. Chapter 3 looks at issues associated with "coming out" to students, including both positive and negative experiences and support of individual homosexual/bisexual students. In chapter 4, special contributions that homosexual/bisexual teachers can make are then examined, including understanding and sensitivity, incorporation of homosexual/bisexual course content, and changes within the profession. A final chapter summarizes findings and conclusions about what homosexual/bisexual teachers want in order to be effective teachers and offers recommendations for the profession. Appended materials include the questionnaire, a summary of data, examples of school board and organizational policies supportive of homosexuals/bisexuals, and lists of references and relevant resources. (MSE)

Title: Speaking Out: A Survey of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Teachers of ESOL in the U.S.
Author: Snelbecker, Karen Amy
Note: 164p.; Master's Thesis, School for International Training.
Publication Year: 23 Jun 1994
Document Type: Thesis (042); Research Report (143)
Target Audience: Teachers and Practitioners
ERIC Identifier: ED375680
Clearinghouse Identifier: FL022537
This document is available from the ERIC Document Reproduction Service.

Descriptors: Administrative Policy; Course Content; Curriculum Design; Educational Policy; * English [Second Language]; Faculty Advisers; Homophobia; * Homosexuality; Interviews; * Language Teachers; Organizational Climate; * Peer Relationship; Professional Associations; Questionnaires; Second Language Instruction; Sexual Identity; Surveys; * Teacher Attitudes; Teacher Characteristics; Teacher Educators; Teacher Role; Teaching Skills; Work Environment

Identifiers: *Bisexuality; *Homosexual Teachers