Showing unified support amongst teachers to actively use the students’ correct pronouns and name can be a strong way to make this stubborn teacher feel the “peer pressure.”ĭo you have support from the administration? Is this a topic you could bring up in a professional development or other meeting (without needing to call out the teacher specifically)? Perhaps you could suggest the idea for a workshop on why it is important to listen and respond positively to the needs of LGBTQ+ students. Are there other teachers/staff that you and/or the student trust to work on this issue together? Your guidance counselor(s) and/or social worker(s) can often be helpful in this avenue. The stress of student support around sensitive issues can sometimes be isolating for teachers, but this job can be too much to take on solo. If you are at all uncomfortable with a one-on-one conversation, there are plenty of other ways to communicate.ĭo you have other adult allies at the school to support you? Remember that you don’t have to do this alone. However, this is certainly not the only option. If you can make this about giving a student the support they need to succeed, you may be able to find common ground. Almost all educators care deeply about their students, whatever their personal beliefs are. Emphasize your concern for the wellbeing of the student as a means to connect with this teacher. Ask the teacher if they’re aware of the issue. While you may be steaming out the ears thinking about a teacher purposefully ignoring a student’s pronouns, it’s best to approach the situation calmly and openly for the sake of the student, and to avoid backlash on you both. This way, you don’t have to put the student under any extra pressure that they’re trying to avoid.
With that in mind, I would try to consider some environmental factors before taking your next steps.ĭo you know this other teacher well? Is this someone you feel comfortable talking to one-on-one? If so, that may be your best bet to start. That being said, it sounds like you are looking for a way to address the issue with the least amount of pressure and attention called to the student. It is incredibly frustrating when our colleagues don’t share that same commitment and may even actively oppose it-I feel for you. We want to be supportive of our LGBTQ+ students, but balancing that support with maintaining their privacy, sense of safety, and comfort is a fine line to walk.
That they trusted you enough to help them announce this major change to all teachers is a great sign, and it’s great to see you’re still looking out for them! What do I do?”įirst of all, it sounds like you are a wonderful support for this student to have in school. I get the sense that the kid doesn’t want to start a whole THING about it, but it obviously wears on them. I helped them write a letter to all their teachers explaining this change, and they just confided in me that one of their teachers flat-out ignored the letter and is still using their old name and pronouns. “I’m a queer high school teacher, and one of my amazing students started using a new name and they/them pronouns at the end of last year.