Make your school a safe and inviting place for all students by using these ideas and tools.
During the previous school year, two different persons told me that one of the reasons they chose to become teachers was to help LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning) children. There's a good chance that LGBTQ students are in every classroom, even if many of them aren't yet comfortable talking about their sexualities or gender identities.
It is critical that schools create welcoming environments for all pupils. After all, as the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) points out, "public schools frequently model inclusivity and plurality for the greater society." Here are some things teachers may do to make LGBTQ students feel secure, accepted, and included in their classes.
1. Put up signs that say "Safe Space"
You can make your classroom a "safe zone" by placing stickers or posters on the door. This communicates to kids that you are LGBTQ-friendly and willing to speak out against anti-LGBTQ discourse or harassment. Safe zone stickers also let students know that teachers, counselors, and administrators are "open to discussing LGBTQ topics in the context of classwork or merely in conversation," according to the AFT.
"The safe space campaign, like enumerated antibullying policies, makes a tremendous difference in LGBTQ students' perceptions that their schools are safe and that their teachers are adults they can trust," according to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network's (GLSEN) biennial National School Climate Survey. My students have told me that seeing my door sticker makes them feel better. A safe zone sign put in your classroom or office "signals to LGBTQ children that you've got their backs," according to Teaching Tolerance.
2. Create an LGBTQ organization at your school.
School-based extracurricular activities, according to the AFT, have the "capacity to change school atmosphere, address inequalities, and improve student achievement." "Reducing prejudice against LGBTQ students, supporting their well-being, and establishing safe and welcoming school settings" are all goals of LGBTQ student organizations. These organizations offer assistance to LGBTQ students and can help raise awareness and combat discrimination in schools. They can also make sure that school rules and curricula are welcoming to all students. Offering to form such a group at your school or serving as an advisor for one that already exists might help students have positive school experiences.
3. Fight and stand up for Homophobia
According to research, "LGBTQ adolescents suffer bullying at considerably higher rates than their peers, and the repercussions, such as increased suicide rates, can be tragic," according to GLSEN.
Educators can have a role in this. Teachers can use GLSEN's lesson plans on bullying, bias, and diversity to help educate their pupils. In the classroom, homophobic phrases or expressions are occasionally used by students of all ages. It is critical for teachers to communicate to students that such behavior is not acceptable. Teachers can use Teaching Tolerance's activity guide to help them deal with comments like this in the classroom.
4. Include LGBTQ issues in the curriculum.
Teachers should incorporate LGBTQ persons and themes into the classroom, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Include LGBTQ people like Harvey Milk (politician) and Alan Turing (engineer) when assigning science, history, and art themes (computer scientist). GLSEN also offers an LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum so that kids can recognize themselves in their teachings and have a true grasp of the world around them.
5. Make an effort to improve your professional skills.
Expert workshops and professional development may assist guarantee that your school is welcoming, safe, and accepting for LGBTQ students. Effective professional development may assist in educating employees on how to deal with harassment and bullying, as well as providing a forum for sharing information and best practices in order to ensure that schools are safe and courteous.
All kids should feel safe and welcome in their schools. These measures are a fantastic place to start when it comes to ensuring that LGBTQ children in schools are well-supported so that their experiences are positive, healthy, and educational.
