“Very Very Risky”: Sexuality Education Teachers' Definition of Sexuality and Teaching and Learning Responsibilities

Abstract

Sexuality education teachers are responsible for providing quality health education to students. While data exist on young peoples' understanding of sexuality, little research has focused on the teachers responsible for providing sexuality education. This qualitative study explored the way in which school-based sexuality education teachers understand and define sexuality. Based on qualitative interviews with teachers throughout the United States, the findings suggest that while teachers rely on sex-positive definitions of sexuality, they often perceive their responsibility as combating risk, and perceive young people as immature and oversexualized. Recommendations include providing ongoing training for teachers in sexuality education.

KEYWORDS:

• Teachers
• sexuality education
• young people

Acknowledgments

The author thanks the teachers who participated in this study and AASECT for assisting with information and recruitment.