Blog #8: Service Learning Idea

Let me just first say, wow these last couple of weeks have been a complete whirlwind of so many emotions, experiences, and struggles. Although I am exhausted, I look forward to getting into a new routine to finish out this semester - especially getting back to feeling a sense of normalcy.

I learned so much from Em Hersch's visit in general, but her discussion of being an ally for LGBTQ+ youth, staff, and colleagues. I found that the handouts provided during this discussion were equally as helpful. Although it was a very honest discussion, I felt comfortable asking clarifying questions. I found this experience to be extremely beneficial for my future as an art educator. It is my job as a teacher to be aware of the support that each of my students will be needing. I found that hearing the statistics that Em gave, were really eye opening for me. I now know how important it is for any student, especially LGBTQ+ students to feel safe and comfortable with who they are in social settings. As a teacher it is my job to build a classroom environment where students feel that they can truly be supported for being themselves. I look forward to using some of the resources provided in the future. Especially the websites that provide LGBTQ+ learning opportunities. This is just another instance where a teacher is an endless learner. If I continue to learn, my students will be better because of it. I LOVED how cute the Gender Unicorn handout was! It made the talk about the many different genders easier to grasp. I often found this topic to be really difficult to talk about and discuss but I honestly feel like I took so much away from it. 

It is also important to me that my colleagues feel supported, safe, and comfortable within their work environment. It should be a place where we all support each other regardless of our own personal beliefs. It is also extremely beneficial to know the laws in place to support work place equality and just equality in general because you are more aware of the discrimination that exists within our own homes, communities, and the world around us. I believe that the more people have discussions like the one we had with Em the more accepting people will become. It just takes one ally at a time to make a difference in a student, a colleague, or a staff member.