The Educator's Guide to LGBT+ Inclusion: A Practical Resource for K-12 Teachers, Administrators, and School Support Staff

by Kryss Shane

The rates of bullying, truancy due to lack of safety in schools, and subsequent suicidality for LGBT+ youth are exponentially higher than for non-LGBT+ youth. As a result, many American K-12 students are suffering needlessly and many school leaders are unsure of what to do. This book solves that problem. Setting out best practices and professional guidance for creating LGBT+ inclusive learning in schools, this approachable and easy to follow book guides teachers, educators, administrators, and school staff toward appropriate and proven ways to create safer learning environments, update school policies, enhance curricula, and better support LGBT+ youth as they learn.Featuring real-life situations and scenarios, a glossary, and further resources, this book enables professionals in a variety of school roles to integrate foundational concepts into their everyday interactions with students, families, and staff to create an overall school culture that nurtures a welcoming, inclusive, and affirming environment for all. This book can be utilized by independent readers, department teams, and entire school district reading experiences. This book also includes brand new, never before seen postcards from PostSecret as its foreword and its afterword is written by James Lecesne, co-founder of The Trevor Project. Also inside is the very first (and likely only ever) interview by the leaders of "Parents of Transgender Children," the world's largest support group of its kind.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2020

Reviews

[Sam Dzuranin · Rating 3 out of 5]

great topic, underwhelming book.

[M.G. · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my opinion, this book was disorganized and did not have a ton of substance. The first part was largely terminology. The majority of this book covered "scenarios." Some scenarios were essentially identical to each other; most scenarios presented would be highly context-dependent for a specific school or school district. This book is a good start, but is not at all comprehensive. There are good ideas to consider in here, but the primary focus is put on the very context-dependent scenarios.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes to do what is right is NOT cheap and easy--it requires time to create quality curriculum and it takes training of teachers and administrators to change long-standing biases

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful guide for sure. The first section is a little on the basic side, but not bad, especially since it wouldn't be overwhelming to unfamiliar readers. Second sections scenarios are great for discussion. Mostly practical, not too idealistic.

[Breanna James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for educators! There are many actionable steps provided that be can taken immediately to make your classroom more safe and inclusive. Suggestions for dealing with pushback and long term changes are also provided.

[Kelly Mead · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but it felt really simple to me. I did appreciate the section within the book that had different scenarios for you to reflect on how you would act, your administration, and what the official school district policies are when encountering each scenario.

[Heather Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every educator needs to read this!! Kryss Shane will also public speak to your school board for a reasonable fee. She came to ours and it was the best PD we’ve ever had.