Queering the Schoolhouse: LGBTQ+ Inclusion for Educators

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/queeringtheschoolhouse

Introduction

**Course Review: Queering the Schoolhouse: LGBTQ+ Inclusion for Educators on Coursera** In today's educational landscape, fostering an inclusive environment is paramount, particularly for LGBTQ+ students who often face unique challenges within the school system. The Coursera course "Queering the Schoolhouse: LGBTQ+ Inclusion for Educators" stands out as a comprehensive and essential resource for educators seeking to become effective allies, advocates, and changemakers in their schools. ### Overview This course offers a rich exploration of LGBTQ+ issues in education, covering historical perspectives and contemporary strategies for inclusivity. Designed for educators at all levels, it provides the knowledge and tools necessary to create supportive learning environments for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The course comprises engaging video lectures, reading assignments, and additional resources, enabling educators to delve into the concepts with depth. ### Syllabus Breakdown **1. Introduction: Welcome to Queering the Schoolhouse** The course begins with an introduction to the instructors and a brief overview of what participants can expect. This welcoming module sets a positive tone and emphasizes the course creators' passion for LGBTQ+ inclusion in education. **2. Allyship and Advocacy** In the second module, participants explore vital concepts such as allyship, advocacy, and the idea of being an accomplice to marginalized communities. This section emphasizes the importance of proactive support and offers practical ways for educators to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ individuals. **3. LGBTQ+ Experiences in Schools** This module presents a concise history of LGBTQ+ experiences within schools, supplemented by relevant statistics that illustrate the current climate for LGBTQ+ students. By framing the challenges they face, educators are better equipped to implement school-wide solutions that advocate for this community. **4. Showing Up for LGBTQ+ Students: Five Strategies** Practical application is key in this module, where educators learn four concrete strategies to enhance inclusivity. From using correct pronouns to establishing a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance), these actionable steps are crucial for creating a supportive school culture. **5. Curriculum Development for Inclusion** Here, the course focuses on the actual academic materials being used. Educators are guided through evaluating and refining curricular content to ensure it reflects LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, thereby enhancing representation in education. **6. Your Future as an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Educator** In the final module, participants are encouraged to develop a personalized action plan. This forward-thinking approach prompts educators not only to reflect on what they’ve learned but also to implement and assess changes in their teaching practices. ### Why You Should Take This Course "Queering the Schoolhouse" is more than just an educational course; it is a call to action. For educators looking to make a tangible impact in their schools, this course provides not only the historical context but also the practical tools needed to enact positive change. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured, making complex topics accessible and engaging to educators who may be new to these discussions. ### Recommendations I highly recommend "Queering the Schoolhouse" for: - **Teachers and Administrators**: Those who wish to support LGBTQ+ students and create a more inclusive environment. - **School Counselors and Social Workers**: Professionals looking to better understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth. - **Education Students**: Future educators aiming to equip themselves with the tools for inclusivity from the outset of their careers. By completing this course, educators will not only enrich their understanding of LGBTQ+ inclusion but also become more effective advocates for all learners. Don't miss this opportunity—enroll today, and begin your journey toward fostering a truly inclusive school community!

Syllabus

Queering the Schoolhouse

Welcome to Queering the Schoolhouse course. In this short module you will get the chance to know the instructors who will help you learn and understand LGBTQ+ issues in education. We hope you enjoy in taking this course as much as we enjoyed creating it.

In this module, we’re going to explore three concepts: allies, accomplices, and advocates. People use these three words to talk about the kinds of actions they want to see from others who want to act on their behalf. Although this module focuses specifically on what it means to be an ally for LGBTQ+ people, many of the ideas we’ll work with here apply to being an ally for other marginalized people and communities. This module will prepare you to talk about allyship, advocacy, and accomplices, as well as to support LGBTQ+ people through your words and actions.

In this module, we will briefly discuss the history of LGBTQ+ experiences in school. Then, we will examine some statistics to understand the current state of LGBTQ+ experiences of school. Finally, we will learn how to frame problems that LGBTQ+ students face in a way that supports school-wide solutions.

In this module, we will walk through some very specific strategies you can use to help make your school more inclusive. The four strategies we will cover in this module are: Ask for and use correct pronouns and names; Start or support a GSA or other school organization; Learn about school policies; and Keep learning locally and generally.

In this module, we’ll explore and apply strategies for evaluating curricular materials. We will also be refining them to make them more inclusive of LGBTQ+ identities and experiences.

In this module, you’ll start planning your next steps as an LGBTQ+-inclusive educator. We want you to think of this work as a kind of personalized research project. You’ve decided to make some changes to your curriculum. Now you need to gather information about how effective those changes are. That information can help you decide what’s working and what’s not. It can also help you as you talk with colleagues, parents, students, and community members about the work you’re doing.