Educate, Part 1: Teach Respect

 As an ally you have the opportunity to educate about anti-LGBT bias, it effects and ways to combat in order to create safer, more welcoming school environments.  This three part section will cover:

• Teach students to respect others.
• Include positive representations of LGBT people, history and events into your curriculum.
• Engage other staff about anti-LGBT bias and ways to create safer schools.

TEACH RESPECT

There are many ways to teach students the importance of respecting all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.  You school could implement a comprehensive school-wide program like GLSEN's No Name-Calling Week.  Or, you may incorporate individual lessons into your curriculum or group activities.  Here are a few resources that educators can use to teach respect and prevent harassment and bulling among students.


"It's amazing how enthralled students will get when there are actual people they can connect with, representing the issues around diversity, discrimination, etc." -School Counselor Ohio

NO NAME-CALLING WEEK LESSON PLANS

No Name-Calling Week is an annual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an ongoing dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities.  Nevertheless, the accompanying lesson plans are available year-round and can be used at any time.  For information about program and free elementary and secondary-level plans visit: http://www.nonamecallingweek.org.

THINKB4YOUSPEAK EDUCATOR'S GUIDE

GLSEN has created an educator's guide to accompany its public service awareness campaign, created in partnership with the Ad Council, about the hurtful and demeaning term "that's so gay." The guide assists middle and high school educators in facilitating student learning about the negative consequences of homophobic language and anti-LGBT bullying.  The core of the guide consists of six educational activities that increase awareness and knowledge of the issues, develop skills for addressing them and promote social action.  Each lesson and activity can be used on its own or in conjunction with the others.  To download the free guide, visit: http://www.ThinkB4YouSpeak.com/ForEducators.