Authors

• Saul A. Karnovsky, Curtin UniversityFollow
• Matthew J. Phillips, Curtin UniversityFollow
• Breeanna Melville, Curtin UniversityFollow

(In)visible Diverse Gender and Sexual Identities of Pre-service Teachers: Disclosure, Emotional Labour and Safety Work Within Initial Teacher Education(In)visible Diverse Gender and Sexual Identities of Pre-service Teachers: Disclosure, Emotional Labour and Safety Work Within Initial Teacher Education

Keywords

pre-service teachers; diverse genders & sexualities; initial teacher education; emotional labour

Abstract

Australia is currently facing a significant teacher attrition crisis, with early career educators increasingly leaving the profession due to burnout, demoralisation, and adverse working conditions. This issue is exacerbated for teachers of diverse genders and sexualities (DGS), who encounter heightened levels of discrimination, exclusion, and mental health challenges within educational institutions. Despite broader societal progress, Australian schools and universities remain sites of persistent queerphobia, contributing to unsafe and unsupportive environments for DGS individuals. This article focuses on pre-service teachers (PSTs) enrolled in initial teacher education (ITE) programs. The study addresses an important gap in the literature by exploring how emotional norms are learned within ITE, and how these intersect with the lived experiences of DGS-PSTs. Through a pilot qualitative research study with a small group of post-graduate PSTs we discuss three themes that were significant in the data: safe versus unsafe spaces, negotiating professional identity, and disclosure and emotional labour. With national policy initiatives aiming to bolster ITE enrolments and completions, this research points to the importance of more inclusive practices within ITE courses, affirming educational environments that support the retention and wellbeing of all PSTs, particularly those from DGS backgrounds.

Was this research funded?

Yes, research was funded

Recommended Citation

Karnovsky, S. A., Phillips, M. J., & Melville, B. (2026). (In)visible Diverse Gender and Sexual Identities of Pre-service Teachers: Disclosure, Emotional Labour and Safety Work Within Initial Teacher Education(In)visible Diverse Gender and Sexual Identities of Pre-service Teachers: Disclosure, Emotional Labour and Safety Work Within Initial Teacher Education. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 51(3). https://doi.org/10.14221/1835-517X.7274