The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Welcome to the #2PencilChat! Tonight we're going to be talking about LGBTQ+ teachers and students' experiences in education. Introduce yourself and say hey!
I know that the #2PencilChat is a friendly, loving place, but I do want to say that due to the nature of tonight's chat, please remember to be sensitive when sharing your thoughts.
And meanwhile, please know that any hate speech during tonight's chat will be reported.
Good evening #2PencilChat friends! Lauren from New York, currently on leave from teaching 6th grade English to write a book about integrating #SEL into academics.
Good evening, everyone. Priscilla here. I teach Career, Research and Development at the all male juvenile detention center in Maryland. I have middle & high schoolers #2PencilChat
Q1
Let's start with students. Much of our world is set up in favor of straight and cisgendered people. What can we do to make sure our classrooms are places where LGBTQ+ kids who are out - or not - can feel good about themselves and thrive academically?
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A1: I think this applies to all students but unconditional acceptance...your room needs to be a safe space where they see you see them simply for who they are, a human, not what they are, a label #2PencilChat
A1: I think it’s important to allow Ss to be who they are. Allow them to explore and talk about it. There has to be more acceptance in the school and classrooms if we want the world to be more accepting in the future. #2PencilChat
A1: although my kiddos are so little, I encourage them to express themselves how ever they feel! They can choose their template during work (boy/girl), wear any accessories (I had a boy wear nail polish) and I want to be an adult they trust #2PencilChat
A1
I love when @Flocabulary's #WeekInRap covers #LGBTQ issues, I like to respond to them in a matter-of-factly positive way. I also shut down any homophobic talk that I hear instantly in class. There's so much more, though, eager to hear what others do. #2PencilChat
A1: Visible "All Are Welcome Here" sign or sticker in the room, using Ss preferred pronouns, not having gender specific bathroom passes are easy things for every level #2PencilChat
A1 We can help LGBTQ+ students feel safe(r) by making our curriculum more explicitly inclusive (e.g. LGBTQ+ authors, historical figures, scientists), sharing our pronouns, and auditing our materials for heteronormative bias. #2PencilChat
A1: I believe our classes should be models of the American ideal & places of equality for all students... The Constitution states free & appropriate ed for all, then we need to make sure there’s free & appropriate ed for all... #2PencilChat
A1- I would say those "life lessons" and "character building" are the best way to ensure everyone feels comfortable in the classroom, LGBTQ+ or not! Teaching our kids to be kind and accepting people #2PencilChat
A1. As the T, it's important for me to set the tone of the classroom & what's acceptable. I believe in treating everyone with respect. Notice EVERYONE'S strengths. Point them out. Build everyone up. #2PencilChat
I allow my students to choose their gender when they're picking their @classcraftgame avatars. It'd be cool if there were some #nonbinary avatars, but even that freedom to choose is nice for kids. #2PencilChat
Yes absolutely! I've had kids tell me that and I always tell them they can choose whatever color they feel (and my favorite color is blue too!) #2PencilChat
A big thing in the art room I see/hear often is pink is for girls and blue is for boys...society has done this and it’s my role to undo it. The Ss hear me explain all colors are for everybody...that’s why they come in a box together
A1: Especially with English and Theatre, I think it important to add content that speaks to all walks of life, including art that has been influenced by all sorts of sexual orientations. Don't just talk about a book written by a trans person, talk how it influenced the work.
I was just thinking that I need to do more lessons for character building. I'm very fortunate to have the psychologist come in for centers and she does social emotional learning with them too #2PencilChat
A1.2 Again, as the T, it my charge to shut down ANY negativity. This includes calling ppl gay, stupid, retarded, fat, ugly...all of it. I told a S yesterday that, "All of us are special in our own way!" And, I truly meant it. #2PencilChat
A2: I think having age appropriate books available to them to help "normalize" their feelings would be important. Have them see themselves in other people. #2PencilChat
A2: I think like we deal with any other issue - we’re guides, we’re mentors - who can deal with what and when... differentiate for social as well as educational experiences... #2PencilChat
A2 To support students dealing with homophobia and transphobia, we need GSAs and education for the entire community (kids & adults) about the gender and sexuality spectrums. Here’s a resource from @RethinkSchools: https://t.co/Ay2Vd7Ht5M#2PencilChat
A2 I think educating them, letting a peer share if they are comfortable to do so, let Ss ask questions to better understand. Many fears are mainly due to a lack of knowledge or understanding and assumptions are made. Love this quote #2PencilChat
A2: I think making sure to have representation in your class and community (such as teachers, leaders, and content heros they can relate to) is crucial to dealing with homo/transphobia and combating it. #2PencilChat
A2: I definitely think character building and authentic conversations/literature about all kinds of diversity are important components to be doing already #2PencilChat
A2 Make it known that you're available to listen without judgement. Post a sign or sticker indicating that your classroom or office is a safe space to discuss #LGBTQ issues. Check out the @TrevorProject for resources: https://t.co/W1RA9bmq42#2PencilChat
A2- I feel that being the person the kids feel they can talk to openly is HUGE. Allowing them to express their thoughts & feelings, without judgement. Even if it's not me, some significant adult in the building (ex- great guidance counselor like @ms_hankerd 😁)
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A2. Where I work, there is a LOT of homophobia with the boys. A big part of that is they think that a boy who likes boys instead of girls wants to automatically "sleep" with them. So, I would say to start by trying to dispel the myths. #2PencilChat
Q3
LGBTQ+ youth face a 1.5-3x greater risk of suicide than other students. What are some resources that we can provide to help keep these students safe, thriving, and healthy?
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A2.2 in mho, I believe that we have to give both sides the opportunity to speak and share. Because, how are we going to be able to get rid of homophobia if we don't understand why individuals have it. Then, have appropriate resources & education to assist. #2PencilChat
A3: An open ear to listen to them, checking in on them, asking what they need or how can we best support them, creating a support group at your school or in the community, letting them present to others to get their voices heard #2PencilChat
A3: school should be a safe space! Having at least one, but hopefully multiple, trusted adults. A teacher who teaches but just tolerance but acceptance and students who accept and include experiences different than their own #2PencilChat
A3: As far as ed goes, I think it starts with school culture coupled with resources & supports... You need the synergy of all the moving parts... #2PencilChat
A3: social worker, buddy teacher that has a strong connection with Ss, be understanding and open, provide community resources and online resources tools to reference #2PencilChat
A3 is pretty similar to A2, but it's life & death, and so it's probably worth being two questions! Books books books! If a child can see themselves in a book, they're not alone.
That's not the only thing, but a chance to feel seen, even in private, is so important!
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A3) First, we need to connect with the students in our building and let them feel comfortable talking to us about any situation! Second, know the signs & don't be afraid to contact people who can help! We are the front line to prevent harm! #2PencilChat
A3 One of the best things schools can do to prevent suicide is to help students do meaningful work and build meaningful relationships. That might be harder in a homophobic or transphobic community—which is why this comes back to GSAs and inclusive curriculum.
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A3 is pretty similar to A2, but it's life & death, and so it's probably worth being two questions! Books books books! If a child can see themselves in a book, they're not alone.
That's not the only thing, but a chance to feel seen, even in private, is so important!
#2PencilChat
A3: Provide opportunities for your LGBTQ+ students to meet and talk with others who have gone through the same problems (usually a stable, mature, LGBTQ+ adult) and can be the best resource for encouragement. Teachers can't answer every question, take them to the source that can.
A3: We’ve got to KNOW our students... who’s feeling off. What’s different? Ask around. TELL around. Be there. Pull the student aside for a frank conversation. Work with faculty, counselors, & family... we’re a TEAM for crying out loud!!! #2PencilChat
A2-Find them the RIGHT peers..get them into a club or introduce them to someone at recess! Opening your classroom to them means the world (coming from the kid who went to the algebra teachers class every morning, needing no extra help... her door was always open)
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A3-Find them the RIGHT peers..get them into a club or introduce them to someone at recess! Opening your classroom to them means the world (coming from the kid who went to the algebra teachers class every morning, needing no extra help... her door was always open)
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Q4
Let's talk about LGBTQ+ teachers. Is it safe for them to be out to their coworkers where you are? What precautions do they have to take?
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A3: I'm also thinking safe spaces specifically for LGBTQA+ students would be meaningful. At uconn we had centers for minority students (race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.) which provided those students a place with others & a place to learn #2PencilChat
A3. I am so happy that our facility is required to have a mental health professional available & on call at all times. We also have had Ss on suicide watch. There are 3 levels. Whenever this happens, that youth has a "one-on-one" RA assigned to him. #2PencilChat
A4: it’s a very fine line to balance. I am out to my team, but there has to be caution in conversations and if Ss are around. I think it’s one thing for staff to know but another for Ps and Ss to know #2PencilChat
A4 Where I am, yes, many teachers and administrators are out. But that’s at a privileged independent school in New York. Telling the world who you are shouldn’t be a privilege; it should be a right. #2PencilChat
A4: I can't really answer this as a pre-service teacher, but I hope to work in a place someday with teachers with all walks of life. How are we to accept diverse students if we don't accept diverse teachers? #2PencilChat
A4: I think this is a personal decision,must be based on the trust w/colleagues.I personally have an anxiety disorder and struggle greatly at times,I know select colleagues I can go to that I trust with my personal information.The world is still afraid of differences #2PencilChat
A4- The answer "should" be YES, without a doubt.... but I understand why some wouldn't want to tell their coworkers. You never know how your relationships with some people may change when you come out if they're stuck in a wrong mindset #2PencilChat
A4 Where I am, yes, many teachers and administrators are out. But that’s at a privileged independent school in New York. Telling the world who you are shouldn’t be a privilege; it should be a right. #2PencilChat
A4. I would like to think that the Ts could be "out" and it be fine/acceptable/ a non-issue. But, sadly, I believe that this is not our reality. #2PencilChat
Q5
At your school, is it safe for a lesbian/gay teacher to talk about their partner to their students? Is there room for a transgender teacher in your school/district?
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Unfortunately, I have to skip out early, but I have learned so much to apply to my future classroom! Thanks for all the love and support you have for your students! #2PencilChat
A5: yes and yes. We have to be able to let Ss know that the lgbtq community is like everyone else. We are all people and do similar things. At my last school I had to have a conversation with a Ss about how the only difference was who I go home to. #2PencilChat
A5 I don't know the answer to this honestly. I'd hope someone in a same-sex partnership could openly mention their significant other without judgement. I would say yes to the second question 🤷♀️ I don't see why not! People are people.
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A call to action: If you'd care to, please consider supporting @TrevorProject, a non-profit committed to providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. #2PencilChat
Here's the link: https://t.co/IMHrrpLBQD
A5. Because of where I work, we have to keep a lot about our personal lives personal, as a protection for us from the youth. So, there wouldn't be much talk, no matter the make up of the relationship. For ex, we can't have pictures of our family in our room #2PencilChat
Thank you to everyone who participated in this chat. I have learned so much and will definitely carry this information into my future classroom. #2Pencilchat
A5 Again, yes at my school, but we know it’s not the norm. If straight teachers can talk about their spouses and children, LGBTQ+ teachers should too. How can we expect authentic learning and relationships in our classrooms if we’re hiding who we are? #2PencilChat
This was a really intriguing chat and I thank everyone for such open discussion and dialogue. Hope you all have a lovely evening and keep pushing for equality for all 🥰#2PencilChat
I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals, every last one of you! Have a great week, huh? Go be nice to someone, do something awesome, and make sure to take care of yourself, too! This is a busy, stressful time of year, be good to you.
