Jonathan M. Coker

Jonathan M. Coker is an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program at Coastal Carolina University. He earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a certificate in Qualitative Research from the University of South Florida and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the College of Charleston.

• Former roles: Institutional Review Board Specialist (University of Central Florida), Lecturer of Qualitative Methods (University of Tennessee, Knoxville), and Lecturer in Diversity/Equity in Education (Endicott College)

His research focuses on qualitative methodologies, teacher working conditions, and LGBTQ+ issues in education, with groundbreaking work on the dehumanization of teachers via restricted bathroom access. His publications span ethnographic methods, pandemic impacts on educators, and queer theory in pedagogy.

Recent scholarly trends include institutional ethnography, reflexive practices in research, and kinning/composting frameworks for post-qualitative mentorship. Awards highlight his contributions to LGBTQ+ scholarship and qualitative research excellence.

• Scientific Awards:
  • AERA Qualitative Research SIG Outstanding Dissertation Honorable Mention
  • USF Pride Award for LGBTQ+ Scholarship
  • Best Paper Award (Global Conference on Education and Research)

As an advisor, he has mentored students in qualitative research, educational leadership, and queer studies. His work intersects policy advocacy, curriculum development, and critical pedagogy, emphasizing teacher welfare and systemic reform.