The Future of Education

Sexuality is one of the great taboos in the public discussion of education. I examine its place in schools as reflected in stories written by teachers in their first year of induction. Since 2005, the Ministry of Education in Israel holds a yearly competition for stories written by novice teachers, and publishes the best. Teachers’ writing offers researchers a glimpse into the school world.

When uncontrolled and unrestrained, sexuality is dangerous, and may be damaging to young children who are powerless, and not yet ready for it. However, sexuality in its sublimated or metaphorical form, sometimes called Eros, can add energy, light, and depth to education. It can enrich class work and deepen relationships. Over-regulation of sexuality can turn schools into a “no-touch zone”, cold and detached. All of the above attitudes are reflected in the stories which I analyze.

Out of 245 stories published between the years 2005 to 2015, 32 stories (about 13%) deal with sexuality in some way. In some of these, a sexual relationship is the center of the story, in others sexuality is mentioned in passing or used metaphorically. I divide the stories into groups, according to various criteria. I analyze the texts and discuss the major issues represented in them. I then suggest that through reading and writing such stories, novice teachers who are forming their professional identity can explore their complex feelings and thoughts on the matter.