Trans-affirming leaders’ professional capital: a critical mixed-methods study of educational policies, organizational practices and leadership on trans school workers' health

Abstract

Purpose This study examines how policies, workplace climate and leadership contribute to trans PK-12 school workers' health and overall well-being. Design Using a critical mixed-methods design led by queer and trans scholars, we developed an online survey for trans school workers in the United States of America and Canada (N = 341). To evaluate the relationship between policy protections, organizational supports, and affirming leadership on health, we use multivariate logistic regression analysis. Then, to deepen our understanding of the regression results, we conduct a conceptual thematic analysis of open-ended survey items about supports and barriers trans school workers face. Findings Trans school workers who reported having affirming educational leaders have 43%–55% lower odds of reporting either poor or fair health and low life satisfaction. In our qualitative analysis, 10% of participants report no workplace supports, and often remain closeted due to hostile workplace climates. Participants indicated that the most consequential supports for overall well-being include policy protections and implementing policies, unions, inclusive professional development, and supportive administrators, students, and colleagues. Practical implications Multiple supports across educational structures are necessary. Policies provide an important foundation, but without proactive, accountable leadership, trans staff members continue to bear both emotional and physical burdens. We provide tangible examples of how educational leaders can enhance professional capital and gender-inclusive school communities. Originality/value Amid the dual forces of growing recognition of gender diversity and increasing pressure to erase trans individuals from PK-12 schools in the United States of America and Canada, few studies have explored how policies and professional cultures shape trans school workers' health and well-being, as we do in this study.