Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Supporting Trans Children in the Classroom

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Eighteen
  In Roundtable Session: Caring and Equitable Approaches to Learning Through Culturally Relevant Teaching (Table 16)

Abstract

The educational landscape for transgender youth is bleak, and there is much at stake as one considers educators’ lack of knowledge in transgender issues. Most teacher preparation programs rank addressing LGBTQ identity as a low or absent priority, and few professional development opportunities are offered to develop knowledge about these students. Drawing on existing knowledge in the field and the lived experience of a transgender educator, this paper shares information that teachers and other professionals may find helpful when navigating issues linked to young children’s gender identities. Using illustrative vignettes, the paper addresses strategies educators can use to support transgender children, explores resources for guiding self-study, and presents guidance for how to promote inclusive policies within their school communities.

Author

• Benjamin C. Kennedy, University of California - San Diego
  Presenting Author