Teaching Acceptance in Schools - How Teachers Can Help Gay Students

By Ramon Johnson, About.com Guide

Exposure and awareness are your biggest allies when creating an inclusive learning environment. By now you've made it clear to your students that you support diversity in your classroom, now show the entire school. This is not as intimidating as you might think.

A great way to help school-wide diversity and create a safer haven for LGBT students is by:

• Sponsoring a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) chapter at your school. GSA is a student-run club which provides a safe place for students to meet, support each other, talk about issues related to sexual orientation and work to end homophobia. Go to the GSA Network site for more information.
• Inviting PFLAG to your school for a safer school training.
• Contacting your local LGBT Community Center. They often have teen and student programs and volunteers that can assist you in creating a safer school.
• Inviting local LGBT professionals and speakers to your school to discuss LGBT issues and diversity. Many LGBT people are willing to give back to the community. Take advantage of this philanthropy by inviting them to make a difference at your school.

more steps below...

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• Know the facts.
• Set the tone and lead by example.
• Work LGBT issues into your lesson plan.
• Combat the stereotypes.
• Counter anti-gay jokes.
• Don't single out the gay kids.
• Sponsor diversity programs.
• Urge school-wide anti-discrimination policies.

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