It is better: An autoethnographic study; "why" it is and the perceived protective factors along the way

Author

Michael Dennis Cowan, University of the PacificFollow

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Educational Administration and Leadership

First Advisor

Rod P. Githens

First Committee Member

Linda Skrla

Second Committee Member

Ronald Hallett

Abstract

LGBTQ individuals have many risk factors and have difficulty navigating going through school because of all the social issues. This study is an autoethnography that looks into the perceived protective factors of a gay male educator. I was challenged to change my dissertation to share my story of being a teacher and dealing with many different risk factors. My committee introduced me to autoethnography and shortly after, I was speaking with a student when the topic of the “It Gets Better” campaign came up. The student said to me, “Prove it.” My dissertation has been a living document with many changes. However, this is my truth of having to navigate being an educator in a small town and being gay. While risk factors are always present for LGBTQ individuals, the focus here is on the positive. The underlying explorations involve going back into the closet for my job, reflections, support systems, and how/why my life is perceived to be better.

Pages

117

Recommended Citation

Cowan, Michael Dennis. (2018). It is better: An autoethnographic study; "why" it is and the perceived protective factors along the way. University of the Pacific, Dissertation. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/3542