Our cultural presentation on LGBTQ students was influenced by this article by Nicole Sieben and Laraine Wallowitz. Early on, they discuss how, “Remaining ‘neutral’—or silent—in the face of discrimination always condones the behavior of the oppressor.” Our video of the teacher who ignores a student’s homophobic slurs exemplifies this point well. I think often times students make inappropriate comments that catch teachers off guard. Not knowing how to react or trying to avoid conflict often results in silence. Our “Name it, Claim it, and Stop it” strategy gives teachers a relatively easy and discrete way to solve the problem.
The authors mention challenging the status quo and discuss how “principle comes before paycheck.” I think this is one of the best arguments in favor of teacher tenure. Teachers have the unique power, outside of the media and peers, to shape the face of a generation. This power comes at the cost of a smaller paycheck and increases as a teacher gains seniority. I agree with many of the statements about students and their willingness and ability to act maturely, but I think the authors have missed an important point. First, as a beginning or probationary teacher it is risky to go too far out on a limb without the support of other staff members. For the authors, their risk taking paid off because the unit was a success. Imagine, for a moment, that the unit met student resistance and parent protest. Instead of writing an article about the merits of risk taking as a new teacher, they would be looking for new jobs.
As much as we value our principles, it would be foolish and reckless to hold them above our jobs and our families unless money is truly not an issue (in which case, I would say go for it!) That’s not to say that we shouldn’t take any risks in our first couple of years—with careful planning and consideration, some of these gambles can pay off. Queer pedagogy is more accepted today than, say, ten years ago and I think the authors made smart choices in their planning. The teaching profession is full of politics, and while tenured teachers still need to make responsible decisions, they have more freedom to carry out their agendas. Of course, if a beginning teacher’s content causes trouble, maybe he or she isn’t at the right school anyway.
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A true quandary to ponder. I keep thinking of how I will more than likely have to deal with students in my class, or passing by during breaks, using anti-gay language. I keep thinking about how these scenarios might play out. Then I begin to think of major contemporary & historical figures who are openly gay or whose biographies have revealed the truth or probability of their sexual orientation. I think that after all of our in-class discussions, that I would point out these facts. Certainly examples of highly intelligent and creative people living and dead who are/were gay exist in all of our subject areas.
ReplyDeleteI liked the ideas your group offered in class on how to address anti-gay language that is hurtful or could make others feel uncomfortable. I am conflicted in my role as a teacher and the amount of support I should be lending a student who is questioning their own sexuality during adolescence. I certainly want to support my student but I do not want to anger a parent or step on any toes. I am still mulling this one over...
ReplyDeleteI had this acquaintance in college who often said he doesn't discriminate, he's mean to everyone - much like Clint Eastwood's character in "Grand Torino" (I can't underline or use italics).
ReplyDeleteIn my classroom, I won't discriminate either - there will be zero tolerance for anti-gay statements as there will be zero tolerance for racial slurs and sexist remarks. That is my GOAL. My sort of silly but realistic concern is my hearing isn't so great so there is a very good chance I won't hear things, will hear wrong, or will misconstrue something like when I thought a student was talking to me when she said "we need one more Chica."
Like Melissa, I am conflicted about discussing sexuality with a student who is questioning theirs. I think teenagers as a whole are questioning who they are in high school, trying on different roles (and appearances) trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in. I wasn't comfortable with myself and who I was until I was in college - far removed with all the kids I grew up with.