"Too often, the resources available to adults advocating for transgender students are boring, overly focused on abstract policy, don't include the voices of transgender people, or don't spend enough time on tangible and practical ways to improve the lives of trans kids. Fortunately, the simple framework in this book avoids these pitfalls by tying everything back to the 4 Core Principles: Educate to foster understanding across differences, Affirm to encourage confidence in both trans youth and allies, Include to nurture an integrated classroom community, and Interrupt to catch and redirect potential difficulties before they grow into lasting damage. The book includes practical tools that readers can start using on day one, personal stories from its co-authors, input from both trans youth and trans adults, and model policies for teachers, schools administrators, and public policymakers. The book includes practical tools that readers can start using on day one, personal stories from its co-authors, input from both trans youth and trans adults, and model policies for teachers, schools administrators, and public policymakers. The book includes ways to engage trans youth, and youth allies to ensure adults are advocating with youth, not simply for youth."--
A critical guide on creating inclusive classrooms for transgender students
Including a foreword from Dr. Peggy Brookins, President of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, The Advocate Educators Handbook offers a tested framework for educators to use in their journeys to create inclusive classrooms for transgender and non-binary students. Centered on a framework of four principles educate, affirm, include, and disrupt this book provides a new way of thinking about inclusivity in the classroom, as well as practical ways to foster students sense of belonging. The authors bring rich understanding to the topic Kling as a transgender educator & advocate, Ford as a teacher & parent of a transgender child, and both authors being educators themselves. Youll also read stories from transgender and non-binary students, teachers, researchers, parents, and more, providing unique and important perspectives.
Inside the book, youll find tools that you can start using on day one of being in the classroom. Youll also find model policies for teachers, schools administrators, and public policymakers, so you can begin the important work of advocating for and with trans and non-binary students. By engaging with trans youth and allies, we can build inclusivity in and beyond the classroom.
- Understand what it means to be transgender or non-binary and learn about the experiences of trans youth
- Learn how to support trans and non-binary students with dozens of firsthand accounts from experts serving the communities
- Find resources you can use as an educator in your journey toward inclusivity in education
- Recognize and respond to anti-trans policies and laws targeting trans students
- Identify important actions unique to your situation with personal reflection questions and scenarios
This book was created especially for K-12 educators, administrators, and others looking to enact change and create safe spaces for transgender and non-binary youth. From daily life in the classroom to policy at the highest levels, The Advocate Educators Handbook will help educators & their community work toward meaningful change.
