Supporting LGBTQIA and Gender Diverse Students in the K-12 Environment

Course Description

This course is an introduction into the challenges that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) students face in schools on a daily basis. By understanding terminology, historical context, and the preconceived notions we ourselves carry about the LGBTQIA+ community, we can begin to creating intentional, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.

We will explore myths and perceptions, the prevalence and effects of bullying, unintended bias in schools and classrooms, and the laws and policies in place that affect our LGBTQIA+ students. This course will give you the tools to start developing a more inclusive curriculum, navigate conversations around gender and sexual orientation, and foster a respectful and engaging environment where all students can thrive.

    Audience:  This course is intended for anyone who works in a K-12, including teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, administrative, and support staff.
    Mode:  11 hours of asynchronous course work.  Two, 2-hour online, synchronous sessions

    Dates:  100% online dates to be determined. Please email cps@fitchburgstate.edu for an update. 

    1 Graduate Credit
    Cost
    : $319
    Course Number: PRDV 6090  CRN:  TBD

    15 PDPs
    Cost
    : $219
    Course Number: PRDV 6090P  CRN:  TBD

    Registration

    *IMPORTANT*: The CRN and Course Number will be needed when you register so please make sure to write down this information. Follow the directions listed on the registration site.

    Please Note

    • Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to pay for your course. The registration may take 24-48 hours to process.
    • You are required to pay within 48 hours of receiving your course payment email. Not paying for a course does not constitute a withdrawal from the course. You may withdraw prior to the start of a course. Once a course starts, you are not eligible for a refund.

    Additional Information

    As a result of the learning experiences in the course, you will become more cognizant of:

    • Definitions and terminology related to gender identity and sexual orientation
    • Your schools’ current policies on supporting LGBTQIA+ students 
    • Current federal and state protection laws and policies that protect and support LGBTQIA+ students

    You will become better able to:

    • Identify the needs and challenges of LGBTQIA+ students and their families and how these are impacted by school environments, curriculum design, and pedagogy
    • Reflect on your own personal and professional experiences with, and assumptions of the LGBTQIA community

    You will become more competent in your ability to:

    • Understand how the social and emotional well-being of gender and sexuality diverse students relates to their overall academic success and personal growth
    • Create inclusive and safe school environments for gender and sexuality diverse students

    Chappell, S. V., Richardson, L., and Ketchum, K. E. (2018). Gender diversity and LGBTQ inclusion in K-12 schools:  A guide to supporting students, changing lives. New York: Routledge.

    Dani Langdon  (They/She)
    Assistant Director of Professional Studies and Extended Campus Programs
    Advanced Placement Summer Institute Director

    Questions? Get in touch!