"It's About Removing Barriers for Kids": How an Elementary School Leader Supports Gender-Diverse Students

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: Leading for Social Justice With Students, Parents, and Communities

Abstract

This paper highlights preliminary themes from a project exploring the role of elementary school principals in supporting transgender and gender diverse students on their campuses.
One K-8 principal in Northern California was interviewed about his work with a national non-profit organization, Gender Spectrum, and his role developing gender inclusive policies, practices, and structures on campus. Interview questions were developed through Gender Spectrum’s framework for Gender Inclusive Schooling, focusing on two approaches: internal and institutional entry points. Findings provide insights about the specific role elementary school principals play in building an inclusive space and supporting gender diverse students, with important implications for both preservice and inservice school leaders.

Author

• Katherine Lewis, Dominican University of California