3-Credit Courses

Being An Ally: Confronting Homophobia In The Classroom

Course Description

Research indicates that because of homophobia, gay/lesbian students are 3.5 times more likely to attempt suicide, 4 times more likely to be threatened or injured in school and 5 times more likely to skip school than are heterosexual students. This course provides k-12 educators with significant information and effective, safe strategies to confront homophobia in school. Emphasis is placed on advocating a safe, productive learning environment for every student. Although not required, it is recommended that this course be taken after Diversity Awareness in Education: A New Perspective for a Changing Classroom and before Activating Diversity Awareness: Creating Positive Change.

Participants will

Identify a rationale for the need to confront homophobia in schools by applying various statistics and other relevant data that relate to the topic.

Determine a self-awareness regarding personal views of the topic and how you have a place in it by completing a scientifically based self-assessment measuring levels of homophobia.

Forecast a personal level of risk you are able to take within your area of discipline by getting relevant and valuable information about laws, policies and your rights as an educator to safely confront this topic at the k-12 level.

Recommend a plan of action for confronting the homophobia in your area of discipline by establishing strategies through the completion of case studies during the workshop.

What folks say about “Being an Ally: Confronting Homophobia In the Classroom

Professional Value

“This course should be mandatory for educators. There is a need that was proven by the facilitator that the homosexual student does not feel safe and are the reasons for multiple issues they have. As an educator, it is your duty to teach regardless of your opinion.”

"My personal and professional development has improved greatly as a result of the strategies which I learned in this class to combat homophobia. I will encourage anyone in education to take this class to increase awareness in our schools.”

“As a straight person working with elementary school students this workshop is really needed to dispel myths among staff and students alike.”

I feel I can be a much better educator and provide a safe environment for all students regardless of sexual orientation in my classroom. It would be criminal not to offer this course on a regular basis.

"This was a terrific course and provided me with many tools and resources to take back to my school and incorporate into my teaching and curriculum.”

Personal Value

"I feel empowered after this class! I feel knowledgeable having discussed these issues among colleagues who were ready to discuss. Now I am ready to discuss this in my own district with all of the knowledge I now have.”

"I recognized a lot of things that are happening in our society and in our schools that I did not before taking this class.”

“This was a wonderful mind/soul enrichment class.” “I don’t see the world the same way that I did before taking this course.”

“Drag them kicking and screaming if necessary, but get every educator into this course. It has the potential to make the world a better place one session at a time.”

Workshop Environment

“So motivating and refreshing!”

“Enthusiasm, knowledge and the creating of a safe environment with a controversial issue made this course excellent.”

“The presentation of controversial issues in such a productive and respectful manner, one that is worth mentioning to colleagues and peers.”

“Non-threatening yet personally challenging…”

“A wealth of information was presented in a clear, concise and sensitive manner.”