Building Inclusive Communities for LGBTQIA+ Youth

In today's diverse classrooms, educators must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to create inclusive environments for all students, including those who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This course aims to help current and aspiring teachers understand the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ learners and develop equitable practices that promote their academic and personal growth. Throughout this course, educators will engage in a variety of activities, including watching videos from marginalized voices, reading articles, and reflecting on their own experiences and practices. They will learn about the different gender and sexual orientations that exist within the LGBTQIA+ community and explore the intersectionality of LGBTQIA+ identities with other marginalized groups. Educators will also examine how heteronormativity, cisnormativity, and other forms of bias and discrimination can impact the experiences of LGBTQIA+ learners in schools. They will learn about legal and ethical considerations for supporting LGBTQIA+ students, including federal and state laws and guidelines that protect LGBTQIA+ students' rights. The course will cover topics such as creating safe and supportive classrooms, developing inclusive curricula, and addressing issues related to bullying and harassment. Educators will also learn strategies for collaborating with families and community members to support LGBTQIA+ learners. By the end of the course, educators will have gained a deeper understanding of the experiences and needs of LGBTQIA+ learners and be equipped with practical strategies for creating inclusive and affirming learning environments for all students. They will also have opportunities to reflect on their own biases and beliefs and develop action plans for implementing equitable practices in their daily teaching.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: TNKL courses receive letter grades. 

Website: www.TeachnKidsLearn.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeachnKidsLearn

Course Location:  www.teachnkidslearn.com

HOW TO ACCESS YOUR COURSE MATERIALS: 

Within 1-2 business days of your Ashland registration, you will receive an email from your course content provider, Teach & Kids Learn, containing instructions on how to access your course materials. A note, their emails are sometimes forwarded to junk or spam folders. 

You'll work with TNKL, using their LMS, to complete the course, at which time, your instructor will post your final grade here to your AU transcript. You'll receive an email notification from Ashland PDS when the grade posts, with instructions on how to view and order transcripts. 

Ashland Professional Development: pds@ashland.edu