feature Future
One of my fundamental beliefs as a pro- spective educator is that the classroom should be a welcoming place for students of any background. One step to create this environment for transgender students is that teachers should be informed about what it means to be transgender and the challenges that they may face. Some chal- lenges include discrimination, isolation, depression and suicide. Issues in schools also include bathroom/locker room usage and uniforms for students based on sex vs. gender identity. In the past few years, there have been triumphs for students involved in such challenges and there is a growing tolerance of gender differences. However, there is still a far journey ahead for widespread education and acceptance of transgender students’ rights.
Education of LGBT topics should take place as soon as possible in order to best accommodate and support students. There are numerous books and other literature available that one can read about correct terminology, etiquette, etc. An online search can quickly aid in learning a vast amount of information. Key topics include being knowledgeable about preferred pro- nouns, sexual orientation vs. gender iden- tity, terms (hormone replacement therapy (HRT), “top” and “bottom” surgery, etc.), etiquette while discussing gender, and laws/policies about LGBT people. After one is well informed about transgender topics, it is important to remember that each person’s transition is unique and dif- ferent. One person may want to do many physical aspects of transitioning, while another will merely change their name or pronouns. There is no right or wrong way to transition. It is a person’s choice how much or how little they would like to change.
Teachers don’t have to announce their sup- port to students; show, don’t tell. Simple ways to show support include LGBT posi- tive posters, window clings, etc. Students will notice these subtle displays. It will help them recognize that the classroom is a safe space, and that students can come to
the teacher with concerns. The most active role of support is being an advocate for transgender people. One can attend rallies to show support and attend conferences to learn more about transgender topics. One can also attend local LGBT meetings or meetings for LGBT allies. These events are wonderful opportunities to learn more about the community and further support students.
My largest concern as a prospective transgender educator is how I will be perceived and accepted among students, parents, faculty and the community. One of my education professors and I have discussed this topic throughout my time at school. Some questions raised include: Should I come out as transgender in the workplace? What current laws or school policies are helpful or a hindrance to me? Where should I be placed for student teaching? There are more questions than answers at this point, but my positive experiences thus far are a driving force to remain positive and persevere through possible future hardships.
As humans, we love to classify just about everything. To do that, we need labels. They are a helpful tool for classifying items, but they sometimes carry asso- ciations, for better or worse. One of my favorite quotes speaks to that. “Labels are for boxes, folders and files. Not people.” ~Anonymous. I may be a transgender man, but that is only one of the many aspects of my life. For those in my future that will question and disagree with my being, my body or past do not define who I am. So who am I? A caring and passionate indi- vidual that loves to learn and teach. I am a son, a musician, a scholar, a teacher, and simply, a human being.
My hope for the future in schools is that we can genuinely celebrate diversity, appreciate others’ life experiences, and that the doors of opportunity are open for everyone equally. Diversity should be celebrated in schools for students and faculty alike, because…
6522 Seybold Rd. Madison Wisconsin School Musician 608.271.2626 51
“You don’t get harmony when everyone sings the same note.”
~ Doug Floyd
Danny Schierl is a student at UW-Oshkosh majoring in music education with plans to graduate in spring of 2019. Email:
schied23@uwosh.edu
The Keys to Success
Serving schools for 45 years.
Find your new, used or rebuilt piano here, or let us restore
your heirloom instrument.
See & hear pianos at
farleyspianos.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
