Are you a K-12 teacher?
We want to speak to K-12 teachers from across Canada who identify as men (inclusive of trans and cis people), promote gender and social justice, and challenge and disrupt patriarchal masculinities in their classrooms. Our goal is to interview five teachers from each province and territory about how they are confronting masculine norms and teaching boys to think critically about gender. If you are interested or know someone who is, please take a look at our recruitment poster (here) and pass it on.
(Re)Defining Masculinities
School is a key space for young people to explore and develop their gender identity. The classroom is a space of growth for students through their relationships with classmates and teachers. In recent years there has been a rise in online influencers expressing sexist, misogynistic, homophobic and transphobic views which has impacted boys’ relationships and promoted narrow expectations of how boys should become men. Notably, teachers and educational institutions are struggling to respond to this cultural shift. Nevertheless, some teachers are already navigating this complicated landscape of contemporary gender injustice.
This research being conducted by Dr. Kehler and Dr. Knott-Fayle explores how teachers are currently promoting gender equality and gender justice. This research will offer insights into teaching practices, teachers’ motivations for engaging with gender issues in the classroom, and the obstacles to teaching for gender justice that teachers face. The findings of this research will help to identify how teachers are supported or hindered from exploring gender in their teaching and, in so doing, assist teachers, schools, and organizations concerned with gender inequality.
Researchers
Dr. Michael Kehler
Research Chair of Masculinities Studies, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
Dr. Michael Kehler is a leading scholar in the field of masculinities studies and gender equity in the context of teaching and learning. As the Research Chair of Masculinities Studies at the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Dr. Kehler has dedicated his career to exploring the complexities and nuances of masculinities and the role of men and boys in fostering gender justice. His research addresses advocacy, allyship and diverse masculinities while addressing gender-based violence, homophobia and misogyny. Dr. Kehler's work has been published extensively, and he is a renowned speaker and consultant on issues related to gender, body image, education, and social justice.
Dr. Gabriel Knott-Fayle
Post Doctoral Scholar, Werklund School of Education, Masculinity Studies in Education
Dr. Gabriel Knott-Fayle is a post-doctoral scholar in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary and an advocate specializing in gender studies and social justice. Gabriel's work focuses on the intersections of masculinities, allyship, and gender diversity, with an emphasis on engaging men and boys in gender justice initiatives. Gabriel's academic scholarship has been featured in various academic journals, and he is actively involved in a wide variety of funded academic projects and initiatives both locally and internationally.
Further Support From:
Research Assistants will assist where necessary.
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EdD Research Assitant
Ryan Jones (he/him)-Ryan is a current EdD student at the University of Calgary, working under Dr. Kehler. He explores the balance between masculine pride and shame in the classroom through an affective lens of emotional awareness. Ryan's current research is looking at the effects of toxic masculinity discourse on the learning environment for High School boys and how this may affect their achievement emotions.
