Ready Warriors?!
Let's get started #EduGladiators !!!!
Today we are having #realtalk about equality w/@nalang1 moderating!
But first, roll call!
Who's here?
Share your name & how/where you 'gladiate' 4 Ss!
New to Twitter Chats? Qs drop as Q1...Q2... & you answer A1...A2... Don't forget to include #EduGladiators hashtag & follow @EduGladiators where ALL of our Qs drop from!
A1: Great Q! If we are not speaking out for our LGBT Ss, then how accepting are we really?! It's not our role to judge especially w/Ss, but to love, protect & nurture them! #EduGladiators
A1) Many are still nerves about the backlash, they don't want to be labeled LGBT when they are trying to be supportive. I do see in my Ss that is fear is fading and they are speaking out. #edugladiators
A1 Accepting LGBTQ+ students requires no risk. Actively promoting solidarity and justice means putting our own privilege on the line. Not everyone is willing to do that. #EduGladiators
A1) When we get out of our comfort zone it’s hard to have solid conversations. We NEED to love outside of that bubble though in order to give ALL students a great education #EduGladiators
A1: I think Ts and Ss think that when they speak about their acceptance it automatically means an endorsement. For Ss, it is challenging in a school that is not accepting to speak out #edugladiators
A1: A fear of being labelled as LGBT. This just came up in a discussion with staff. Especially I think in very small communities were the demographics of students who publicly identify as LGTBQ is so low. Adults have the fear as well. #EduGladiators
I believe that religious beliefs and upbringing make people feel they are choosing speaking up for others vs their religious convictions. #edugladiators
A1: Like anything else in education, we are often slow to evolve and change the machine. Poor "training" and fear of latigous involvement also create obstacles. #edugladiators
A1:Good question. Not sure. Maybe angst over where the line is in the public ed setting? Not sure what to say to best support LGBQT community? Not sure but I do know my kids who are in this community speak openly and freely in #myroom and claim to feel comfortable. #edugladiators
Agreed. It's easy to be accepting - even if you were raised w/ religious beliefs that tell you otherwise. But it's tough to speak out & essentially denounce part of your religious background. #edugladiators
A1. (Con’t) ok...I’m going there & I’m a PK...Too many educators hide behind religion & self-righteousness. The adults fear being judged by there peers if they speak up for LGBT Ss. God told us to love ALL...PERIOD! #EduGladiators
A1 Fear of confrontation? Too many people avoid #cruicalconversations to maintain own comfort. Unless others become uncomfortable, they keep quiet #EduGladiators
A1 Fear of being labeled. Equality is for all. My ELs sometimes feel like outsiders because of lack of cultural awareness. Just as difficult. #EduGladiators
A2) Need to feel safe and equal, use gender neutral language, don't call out, as a T support them and show care, love and understanding. Make sure their voice is heard. #edugladiators
Yes. But this can't happen in isolation. There's the parent/community component, too - we still have a contingency (often the privileged) who will fight the presence of these books. #EduGladiators
A2: It's teaching what can and can't be said, it's about sensitivity to differences- which is applicable to LGBT, but also to ALL students! #edugladiators
I feel the same happens in my space, too, but I’m concerned about what happens outside our safe space. Will they continue to speak up? I think about what happens with adults who espouse 1 belief when they feel safe, then silent in others. #EduGladiators
A2: Paying attention to the climate and the comments made is important. Again small community and a lot of unknown for kids and adults regarding LGTBQ in my community. Information and understanding is needed. I think that is the start of making it safer. #EduGladiators
A2: knowing that the school environment is a safe place for all Ss in a school no matter their race, religion, or sexual identity— teach, love, and learn with all! #EduGladiators
A2 I think it means starting from day one with building a safe, supportive classroom, relationships, creating an envt for learning for all Ss to feel welcome, to know they are supported, and Ts are avail #EduGladiators
A2: Interesting question. I think safety is all inclusive. We either strive to create a safe place for all students.... or we don't. Culture, code of conduct and inclusive programming are all keys to ensuring all students are safe and a part of the org. #edugladiators
🤔Speaking out isn’t denouncing your beliefs. Everyone deserves equality. Not too long ago, some thought the Bible said black people were the devil & justified slavery w/religion. Thank goodness people spoke out & thought ALL people should be treated equally. #EduGladiators
If there are no actions, do the kids really believe that we're accepting? I can say I love my wife, but if I don't show her I'll be single pretty soon. #edugladiators
#EduGladiators A1: "When people go to work they shouldn't have to leave their hearts at home." ♥️
-Betty Bender
The same applies with our Ss. When Ss come to school they shouldn't have to leave their hearts, identities, & who they are at home. #OurHeartIsWithYou ♥️
A2: In my mind, it’s no different from how I create that space for all kids. It starts with how I want kids to feel and continues with my intentional, consistent efforts to make that happen. I want my kids to feel a part of our community regardless any differences #edugladiators
A2: Equity building by adding books to libraries, creating environments where open-minded discussions take place often, teaching and fostering empathy, celebrate and honor diversity. Teachers can model and build this environment in the classroom and it will spread. #EduGladiators
“As you’re learning to be a culturally responsive practitioner, begin with becoming more responsive to build trust. You’ll need every ounce of it to take the learner into his zone of proximal development.” #edugladiators#educhat#CRT#CultureEd
A2 - a place of respect, honoring others humanity (not judging/accusing), listening, standing firm & speaking out against ignorance & hate, seeing the person #EduGladiators
From a special ed background, I completely agree!! We ALL have differences, they need to be appreciated as that's what makes a school or class community unique! #edugladiators
Agreed. In many districts in NC we aren't talking about equity at all - and if it's not being talked about, you can be sure that PD isn't occurring. #edugladiators
Unfortunately, just saying "we create a safe place for all students" disregards specific challenges unique to LGBT students. I think we have to be specific about who is being marginalized. #edugladiators
A2 Also make sure there is time for Ts to better understand how to provide support, what resources they need, be prepared to help Ss whenever needed #EduGladiators
#EduGladiators
A2: Our impact as Educators means listening to and from the ♥️ and the courage to ensure that all of our Ss feel valued, accepted, & that each of their lives has significance.
"No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship."
-Rita Pierson
A2: Creating an environment safe for LGBTQ Ss is the same as creating an environment safe for each & every S to be who they are, as they are. It is a space where all individuals are respected & heard; Ss’ unique qualities are recognized, accepted, & celebrated
#EduGladiators
A2 - My initial thought is, isn't safe, safe? I've always wanted my classroom/school/district to be safe for everyone to learn and be themselves and be free from judgment. #EduGladiators
A2 A place where everyone’s voice is accepted, where all are seen as people. The perfect classroom is one where no one notices differences. #EduGladiators
A3) a belief equity, ability to allow others voices to be heard, not just voicing your viewpoint, ability to include all not just LGBT, ethnicity, race, religion, culture, language. #edugladiators
Thanks for being specific here. Unless it's called out, specific actions can't be taken to address the behavior and inspire a better way. #edugladiators
A2: Same safe environment for LGBT Ss is the same we should & must create for ALL Ss. ALL Ss should feel welcomed, valued & loved especially at school! As #EduGladiators it’s our responsibility to ensure that happens & foster environment for all of our Ss to be great!
A2: Class rosters with student’s preferred names & pronouns, accessible gender neutral bathrooms, school bullying policies that specifically mention LGBT identities, etc. #EduGladiators
A3 I think leaders need to make equity a focus in our schools. No matter how inclusive and supportive we are we still have personal bias/stereotypes that we are not necessarily aware of #EduGladiators
A3: Leaders need to hear all voices and understand that not everyone is at the same level of acceptance. It is a continuum. It is a process #edugladiators
A3: Leaders need a steadfast commitment to protect the right of all students to be respected and treated with dignity. There is no wiggle room. That is simply non-negotiable.
#edugladiators
A3: as a school admin be an active listener and offer options, solutions, and collaboration with Tt and Ss. Most importantly have open and honest communication with the community your school is in #edugladiators
(p2) Taking a risk here - but is assuring the obese child feels safe any diff from assuring the child w/2 moms feels safe fromassuring the trans child feels safe,etc? If I'm committed to my students, I've created an environ of understanding,compassion & acceptance. #EduGladiators
A3) an open door and ear for ALL students. If we are going to say we are student centered, we have to listen and take to heart what our students say first! #EduGladiators
A3: A degree of Bravery. I look at equality in schools as a struggle that has been undertaken by so many groups at different times and continues to be. Bravery is needed to lead beyond the walls of close-minded thinking. #Edugladiators
(p3) Plz don't think I'm equating weight & gender ID/sexuality - but instead trying to frame what a safe classroom looks like considering all involved. #EduGladiators
A3 Leaders need to think intersectionally. How do the curriculum, building, schedule, calendar, instructional and assessment practices, discipline codes, meetings, and events promote equity and justice? #edugladiators
A3: Create and maintain a culture of compassion and interaction where diversity is embraced and encouraged. Share information, listen, be engaged and learn. #edugladiators
A3 Lead by example. Make your position clear. Challenge microaggressions & overt inequities. Be able to handle making others uncomfortable bc you stand firm in supporting equality, student voice & equity. Take advantage of #teachablemoments#EduGladiators
A3) Leaders must engage in creating shifts of the #mind and #heart with educators, students, and parents to truly bring #equality to the forefront. Their will be critism and hurt feelings along the way but we must help everyone navigate change. #edugladiators
(p4) If we've created an environment in which we respect each other, attempt to understand each other, accept each other for who we are, and feel compassion for each other - than I think/hope all feel safe. #EduGladiators
Awesome sharing today warriors! Next week's chat is inspired by the book "Power of Moments" as we discuss Creating Powerful Moments of Equality!
Join us Saturday!
#EduGladiators#leadupchat#satchat#LeadLAP
A3: The leaders need to recognize where the Ss are in their journeys. As a combined middle/high school, we have some Ss still unsure of their identity and others open with it. Creating place and voice for both is critical. #edugladiators
Critical Qs & convo this morning on equality for all! Thank you @nalang1 for pushing our thinking on loving & supporting ALL of our students!
#EduGladiators
A3: Leaders need to be passionate, humble, encouraging, and fun! Relationship building is key! Everyone is s leader...Ss, staff, and admin...build others up to own their impact! #edugladiators#PhenomenalFebruary
A4: One of the saddest moments of the year for me has been seeing students feel the need to remove themselves from the school over bullying or even perceived bullying. I think my role is to help educate all students in hopes of making it a safer space. #Edugladiators
A4: Advocating, voting & supporting laws to get this bathroom thing figured out. Ridiculous! If we don’t fix it we will repeat ugly time in history when this was the norm... #EduGladiators
A2: As part of my #myroom approach, I have to give students voice. I want them to let me know how I am doing. Here’s a recent feedback card from one of my kids reminding me about the importance of gender-inclusive pronouns. #edugladiators
A4 Maintaining a supportive class culture and open door policy for any student who needs it. We have a Caring Adult program in our school where T's volunteer to be that special someone for students #EduGladiators
To me, bc there are differences in what is culturally acceptable, situations are different. Equity addresses the social hierarchy, acknowledging diff approaches. It’s beyond the equality of being safe for all. #edugladiators
A4: I want to use our soon-to-be implemented restorative practices to address instances of abusive language used against LGBTQ students. I am unsure yet what proactive measures are our next, best step. #edugladiators
A4: All relationships matter — I try to go out of my way to know and understand all Ss, Tt, and parents story! I will support all and be their biggest advocate...it’s my job as a principal! #edugladiators
A1: Fear often silences good people from standing up. This may come from fear that their POV might not be accepted by those they live/work w/. It may come b/c one is unsure of own values:if we are unsure of who we are, it is challenging to be a champion for others.
#EduGladiators
A4: I will continue to foster a safe environment where Ss are accountable and appropriate. I continue to strive to maintain an all inclusive community where individuals feel safe because they know they have me in their corner regardless of the issue. #edugladiators
A4 Continue, unapologetically, to support & protect my students & staff. Openly display my safe place symbols. Hold others accountable for their words/actions. Celebrate all #LGBT community have to offer & bring to our life #EduGladiators
🤗 A big thank you & a big hug to the #EduGladiators who work in our clubs day in & day out to make sure our kids succeed - you are kings & queens 👑who share your big brains & big hearts with us ❤️so we can see our kids like this 👇🏾👇🏾
@nalang1 what a great way to ease into Saturday! Gonna spend sometime with the three that matter the most to me today after a fast and furious week— The power of a PLN @D4Griffin3 and one of the best ed chats #edugladiators
Great reflection for me! Thx for pushing my thought process.
My exper has been that it's when people who haven't been invested in/engaged w/my classroom/school stepped in that the Q of safety arose. Which told me there's more work to be done in my lger community. #EduGladiators
A3: As leaders, we must be consistent & clear in every one of our words&actions to stand for equity & social justice for each & every individual-Inside who we are & outside as leaders. I omit "fearless" b/c it's OK to feel fear, but we must do this in spite of fear
#EduGladiators
A3: Leaders must be able to give everyone a voice! Truly, it is the only way we are going to move forward, by teaching love and acceptance! #EduGladiators
