Yes, a teacher's job is to expand their students' knowledge. Although, in order to be able to get through to your students academically, your students have to feel comfortable in your classroom. If a student identifies with any of the LGBTQ+ labels and feels that their classmates are not understanding of them, that student cannot focus in class to the best of their ability. It is important for teachers to set a good example for their students by showing students in LGBTQ+ or any minority group that they are supported. The documentary truly represents the current positions of the country when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. There are people who are supportive, there are people who do not agree but have a “live and let live'' philosophy, and there are people who completely disagree with it. Teachers cannot force students who may not support the LGBTQ+ community or certain minority groups to be supportive. However, by having a real conversation, explaining the basics of gender and sexuality, it will make the classroom a safe place for students to ask questions and learn. It also allows those students who may not support the LGBTQ+ community to open their mind a little bit.
Creating a safe space for ALL students is a necessity in order for students to be able to succeed in the classroom. The American Psychological Association, article “Students Exploring Gender Identity” has a specific list of “Do’s and Don’ts” for teachers with regard to tackling gender identity. Teachers can use this list as a blueprint on how to provide a safe classroom space for their students. For example, teachers should “model gender inclusive language and behavior” (American Psychological Association, 2021). It is important to remember that students do not only learn math and science from their teachers, they also learn how to be better humans. Part of making better humans is ensuring that students are exposed to different cultures and communities. Whether that be other racial groups or the LGBTQ+ communities. According to the Trevor Project “LQBTQ youth who felt social support from their family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who felt low or moderate social support” (Trevor Project,2022). I truly believe that as future educators we have the responsibility to help everyone feel supported, regardless of race, age, sexuallity, or gender identity.
References
2022 national survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health. The Trevor Project. (n.d.). Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022/
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Students exploring gender identity. American Psychological Association. Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/ed/schools/primer/gender-identity
The Laramie Project. (2002).
Safe space. Teachers Pay Teachers. (n.d.). Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Safe-Space-5977761
USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Policy. (2021, December). Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://usagym.org/PDFs/safesport/policy2021.pdf
Hi Emma, I completely understand your point of view on the topic. I love the way you added your personal experience of Gymnastics coaching in. I feel like especially in the gymnastics community, its important to cultivate the safe space for your athletes, so they know how they should be treated and who they can lean on. In relation to the classroom, its important to know that you man not be able to change anyones mind about their stance on the LGBTQ+ community, but rather taking the time to give students an education and try to cultivate a safe space for those who may identify with the LGBTQ+ community. I also find these conversations to be important because it makes the topic less taboo. Open conversation bring less of a feeling that being LGBTQ+ needs to be hidden or is something to be ashamed of. I like the way you reminded us that as teachers we also aid in students becoming human beings; thats something that I always keep in the back of my mind.
ReplyDeleteHey Emma! first off i wanted to say i love how you set up your blog! also i think you did a great job explaining the topic that we all wrote about. i like how you included that you're a gymnastic coach and you make sure to have a good environment when coaching. inclusion is so important to have especially when on a team. its good to create a safe space for everyone so they feel welcomed in their own environment. i also agree on your statement when you said that part of making better humans is being exposed to different cultures/ communities. that is super important and i 100% agree. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Emma,
ReplyDeleteI really loved your blog and how you incorporated personal experiences. As a gymnastics coach you are creating an inclusive environment for all athletes. I think this is very important as a future educator to foster a safe space for all students. In last week’s module we discussed anti- racism and justice in the classroom which ties into this week's blog post about gender diversity. I believe teachers should stress to students that we are all different and it is okay. We should educate students through diverse literature and activities that embrace differences. This is vital because we don’t want our students to judge what they don’t understand and become hateful towards others. I really loved how you included that our differences should bring us together and not tear us apart. Students are trying to discover who they are with their gender identity, culture, and qualities. It is important as teachers that we are supportive and safe!