Getting Ready for Benjamin: Preparing Teachers for Sexual Diversity in the Classroom (Curriculum, Cultures, and

by Tim Bedford (Contributor), Deborah P Berrill (Contributor), Roger Brindley (Contributor)

This book argues that issues of sexual diversity are inextricably interwoven into the basic concerns of pre-service teacher education. How do we make our students aware of assumptions regarding masculinity, femininity, and sexuality that arise from what is presented, represented, or omitted from curricula and classroom practice? What do we say about homophobia and heterosexism as we anticipate the administrative hierarchies, school cultures, parent and community politics they will encounter as teachers? What special challenges might face a teacher (straight or gay) who discusses sexual orientation in a high school classroom, or responds to a homophobic remark in the hallway or the cafeteria? How should we prepare a teacher for a parent conference with two moms or two dads?

The essays in this volume range from an analysis of gay stereotypes in teacher education textbooks, to a discussion of queer multiculturalism, to personal accounts by lesbian and gay teacher educators and heterosexual allies who are challenging homophobia and heterosexism in their own classrooms and programs. All agree that education for sexual diversity is as important as education about all other forms of difference, and that future teachers need to know how to create safe spaces for lesbian and gay students, along with the children of gay families who are increasingly a part of the classroom landscape.

Genres: Education

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Elke · Rating 4 out of 5]

great collection for anyone who is in teacher education and want to open up dialogue with their teacher-ed students about how to be more responsive to LGBTQ youths.

[Janelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a portion of this. It has to be pretty tough to enter the classroom if you are a lgbt individual.