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Professional Learning

Safety, Bias, & LGTBQ+ Issues

Designed for all members, particularly those committed to addressing bias around sexual orientation and gender identity, this program teaches school personnel how to create a safe school climate for students and staff.
safetybiaslgbtq

At a Glance

The newly expanded LGBTQ+ Training Series is designed for all NEA members. With a focus on addressing bias around sexual orientation and gender identity, coupled with an intersectional focus on racial justice, this revised training series is full of the latest data, legal updates, and activities to empower members to support all students. This program covers six topic areas including supporting transgender students, exploring the intersections of race, and creating safer classrooms. Each training module is 2 - 3 hours in length and can be delivered in-person, virtually, or online via blended learning.

Topics

  • Culturally Responsive Education
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Gender Equity
  • LGBTQ+
  • Positive School Environments
  • Racial & Social Justice

Outcomes

  • Learn how to create a safe school environment for students and staff
  • Gain tools to address bias around sexual orientation and gender identity
Developed by:

NEA Center for Social Justice

Last Updated: February 22, 2021

Details

Audience Role

  • Education Support Professional
  • Teacher

Grade

  • Elementary School
  • High School
  • Middle School

Session Length

2-3 hours

Session Format

Virtual, In-Person, or Blended

Modules

1.jpg 1

Taking a Stand: Creating Safer Schools for LGBTQ+ Students

This introductory module guides educators to create safer spaces for LGBTQ+ students. By identifying key contributors to safe spaces and common barriers, educators finish this session with an action plan to support LGBTQ+ students. This module introduces the Racial Justice in Education Framework, a guide that is used throughout the entire LGBTQ+ Training Series.
Walking-the-Talk 2

Walking the Talk: Classroom Strategies for Addressing LGBTQ+ Bias

This action-oriented module provides an overview of classroom strategies that address LGBTQ+ bias. From using inclusive curriculum to an introduction to ABAR (anti-bias anti-racist) pedagogy, this training offers educators essential tools to create more inclusive and equitable classrooms.
Making-the-Case 3

Making the Case: Communication Strategies on LGBTQ+ Issues

This communications module provides educators with an overview of effective messaging and communication strategies to confidently advocate for LGBTQ+ students. Whether you’re talking to peers, stakeholders, or others about the importance of LGBTQ+ affirming policies and practices, this module offers guidance, insight, and role-plays.
Drawing-Connections 4

Exploring Connections: The Intersections of Race, Gender, Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation

This expanded module provides educators with an overview of race, gender, and sexual orientation and explores how the intersections of these and other social identities affect students. The module also offers opportunities for educators to practice identifying, interrupting, and dismantling systems of oppression that affect LGBTQ+ and BIPOC students.
Safe-and-Supportive 5

Safe and Supportive Working Environments: A Right for LGBTQ+ Educators

Safe and supportive environments are critical for educators. This module provides insight into the employment protections available for LGBTQ+ employees at the federal, state, and local levels. Participants will discuss the challenges LGBTQ+ employees face in the workplace, review local district policies, and create a plan to advocate for a more inclusive workplace. A focus on the Racial Justice in Education Framework helps ensure new policies are both inclusive and equitable.
Black high school student 6

Supporting Transgender, Non-binary, and Gender Non-conforming Students

New by request, this module is designed to help educators create safer learning spaces for students who identify as transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming. This module is important and timely as trans youth come under attack in state legislatures across the country. This new module explains the terminology related to “Queer” identities and shares ways to support students who are transitioning, highlighting specific challenges and needs of BIPOC students, and more.

Request a Training

Ready to advance racial and social justice with us? Complete the form below to request a training. We will respond within 2 business days.

We look forward to working with you!

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NOTE: Trainings are only for members of the National Education Association. If you are not a member, please work with your state or local affiliate to make your request or it will be automatically denied.

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The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.