#RATCHETQUEERTEACHER: SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AND LIBERATION THROUGH MINDFULNESS AND HIP HOP THERAPY

Doctoral Candidate Name: 
Torie Wheatley
Program: 
Curriculum and Instruction
Abstract: 

There is a growing mental health concern among Black Ratchet queer womxn in educational and criminal justice realms and the Covid-19 pandemic has left the educational climate in a state of high stress and anxiety. Consequently, Black Womxn in education are quitting from burnout. According to research, teacher burnout has been a concern for more
than 30 years, but currently there is a crisis. According to research “This is a five-alarm crisis. We are facing an exodus as more than half of our nation’s teachers and other school staff are now indicating they will be leaving education sooner than planned.: (Jotkoff, 2022).
Covid-19 has caused an increase in depression, anxiety, suicide ideation, and other health concerns in this population. External hindrances including racism, sexism, homophobia, and other ideologies rooted in America; negatively influence their mental well-being. Black queer womxn and girls are restricted from obtaining proper access to mental health services that take into consideration how identities are critical factors in mental well-being. This analysis will provide a rationale for utilizing culturally relevant mindfulness practices for Black queer womxn in educational sectors.

Defense Date and Time: 
Thursday, November 2, 2023 - 10:00am
Defense Location: 
https://zoom.us/j/8594156604?pwd=enFiT2pXZ1crcHFaeGNwTUF1dWE3dz09
Committee Chair's Name: 
Dr. Chance Lewis
Committee Members: 
Dr. Lisa Merriweather, Dr. Bettie Rae Butler, Dr. Susan Harden