By Grace Manger on October 10th, 2016 - Teaching Tolerance
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Key Points:
National Coming Out Day, October 11th, is an annually celebrated event to help in recognizing the power of being your true, authentic self. The article talks about the fives ways in which teachers can help be supportive during this event such as coming out as an ally, making your classroom a safe space for LGBTQ students, incorporating LGBTQ issues into the curriculum, advocating for positive change, and asking out students how you can help.
Relevance:
Coming Out Day is a time that educators can use to raise awareness and continue making their classroom a safer place for LGBTQ students. National Coming Out Day and these five things you an do to help can serve as good discussion starters throughout the year and making your school a safer place for the LGBTQ community.
Thank you, Kailee, for choosing this article. Our society is changing, in some places more quickly than in others, and we need to meet our students where they are. Junior high and high school are pivotal times in a young person's life and they need to feel supported to choose the life that is most comfortable for them. They need to feel comfortable to approach a teacher if they are being bullied, or even if they just need to talk to an adult.
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ReplyDeleteThis article highlights important points about supporting students, and creating safe environments for LGBTQ students. Ultimately, teachers have influential roles to take action towards creating inclusive environments for students. As you point out, teachers have a critical role in raising awareness and setting healthy classroom climates. Another valuable point mentioned was, to focus on making teachable moments that can educate students. These moments can promote and reinforce tolerance in the classroom that can go beyond and into the community. It is essential that students trust their teachers, believe that they are valued, heard, and that teachers have their best interests in mind.
DeleteThis article is a great reminder that we need to look outside of ourselves and continue to demonstrate and teach empathy. It seems that often the LGBTQ community goes forgotten and shadowed by other social injustices. However, after reading this article it reminded me that we as educators need to focus on acceptance of all people and all various lifestyles. Recently we have had great discussions on the situation in Syria this article makes me think we do need to incorporate lessons and conversations specifically specified toward LGBTQ. Presenting discussions and allowing students to ask questions provided fantastic opportunities for growth. The classroom is a great context where students need to be allowed to explore and develop in a comfortable manner. Thank you for the reminder to be open and accepting toward all ways of life.
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