Janie’s Top Thing Educators Should Know
Janie Wilkerson (she/her), LPC-MHSP
Supportive Adults
Janie Describes Supportive Adults
Janie Wilkerson (she/her), LPC-MHSP
Els Describes Supportive Adults
Els (they/them), high school senior
Resources and References
Resources and References Resources for Supportive Adults: GLSEN’s Safe Spaces Book: https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2019-11/GLSEN%20English%20SafeSpace%20Book%20Text%20Updated%202019.pdf Learning for Justice: https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/publications/best-practices-for-serving-lgbtq-students Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/news/making-a-difference-in-your-lgbtq-students-lives Download References: Bidell, M. (2016). Changing school culture through gay-straight alliances. LGBTQ Voices in Education. Routledge. Chiasson, J. (2021). Advancing Gender and Sexually Diverse Students’ Civil Rights. Supporting Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Diversity in K-12 …
Conclusion
Conclusion In summary, LGBTQ students need to know there are people at school they can contact when they need support, but more than that–showing that you understand and care about them and the unique challenges they face in school–is even more important for their everyday feelings of school safety and connectedness. Having a central role …
Extra Credit
Extra Credit How much do you know about the various flags used by advocates and allies, and the meaning behind those symbols? Does one align more with your values and intentions? See examples and explanations here: https://studentaffairs.unl.edu/news/12-different-pride-flags-and-their-meanings Image: Students standing with rainbow flag Can you recall having a student whose family was diverse for your …
Reflection/Discussion 3
Reflection/Discussion Click on each header below to reveal each reflection question. If you are taking this course as a group, you may choose to address these questions as discussion items. Reflection/Discussion Item 8 A 2016 report in the Journal of Adolescent Health described students’ finding the rainbow flag was a symbol that helped them identify …
How can we Demonstrate Support for LGBTQ Students?
How can we Demonstrate Support for LGBTQ Students? Seek opportunities to learn about LGBTQ students’ concerns. Participating in training like this and discussions with your peers is a good start. Use the resources provided in this module. Find allies within your school or further out in the community. If your school has a GSA or …
How can we Demonstrate Support for LGBTQ Students? Read More »
Reflection/Discussion 2
Reflection/Discussion Click on each header below to reveal each reflection question. If you are taking this course as a group, you may choose to address these questions as discussion items Reflection/Discussion Item 4 What reasons can you think of to explain why many teachers and staff do not intervene when they hear biased language, especially …
When Adults Aren’t Supportive
When Adults Aren’t Supportive Unfortunately, students often report that adults in school make the school climate worse for LGBTQ students. In a large survey of both students and teachers in 2015, students reported hearing not only high levels of LGBTQ-biased language from other students, but a large number also heard them from teachers and other …