I'd rather beg for forgiveness than ask for permission : sexuality education teachers' identities and agency in the classroom

Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on July 31, 2013).The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file.Dissertation advisor: Marilyn ColemanIncludes bibliographical references.Vita.Ph. D. University of Missouri--Columbia 2012."July 2012"[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This study explored the process by which sexuality education teachers come to conceptualize their teaching identity. The findings suggest that teachers rely on what I am calling a Unique Identity when describing their role. Their Unique Identity is defined by three interdependent components: (a) Strong rapport with students; (b) An ideology of responsibility to provide the truth; and (c) A willingness to cross political or institutional boundaries (even against the required curriculum) to meet that responsibility. Their reliance on a Unique Identity allowed them to perceive themselves as exceptional and their role as sexuality educator as crucial for their students.Includes bibliographical references