Teacher Toolbox on Inclusivity & Gender
- Hannah Weston
- Jan 17, 2020
- 11 min read
Resource One: Jacob’s New Dress by Sarah and Ian Hoffman (storybook)
Jacob’s New Dress is a children’s storybook about a young boy who does not conform to traditional gender roles or norms. Jacob wants to wear a dress to school, which his parents support, but the students at school question Jacob’s decision. The purpose of the story is to explore and challenge gender roles to expose child readers to various ways of displaying gender and normalizing multiple forms. This storybook is useful as it is geared towards children and can be used by educators or parents / guardians to help explain to children that there are different ways to express one’s gender. In addition, it shows how society may not always be inclusive towards individuals who deviate from established gender ‘norms’ and the negative effects it can have. Instead, it is better to allow individuals to express themselves how they see fit.
Jacob's New Dress by Sarah and Ian Hoffman. (2014, March 1). Retrieved January 7, 2020, from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18378828-jacob-s-new-dress.
Resource Two: I am Jazz (Television show / series)
I am Jazz is a reality television show aired on the network TLC, which follows a young transgender female transition. The show displays common problems transgender individuals face, such as unacceptance, bullying, or rejection. Jazz is an influential role model to explore gender, as she is open with her struggles, her transition story, and her confidence in who she is. Although I am Jazz is beyond primary level, various clips of the show can be displayed in junior or intermediate classrooms to discuss gender, specifically transgender, and give students the chance to understand the perspective of a young transgender individual growing up in Western society. Due to Jazz being a young teenager, the content is more relatable to students as the age gap is far less. This factor can help students situationally relate or provide a surface-level perspective on how Jazz’s world is affected due to her gender.
I Am Jazz: Watch Full Episodes & More! (2020). Retrieved January 7, 2020, from https://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/i-am-jazz/.
Resource Three: Gender Spectrum (Website)
Gender Spectrum is a website which aims to build gender inclusivity for children and teenagers in various environments, such as medicine, education, or religion. The key part of this website is the education resources tab, which lists multiple resources on how to be open and respectful to gender in schools. The resource tabs are broken up into sections, such as gender in the classroom, understanding gender, gender and sports, etc. This website can be a useful tool for educators who need help in promoting the inclusivity of gender in their classroom. Resources, such as gender terms and definitions, gender support plans, or how to rethink schools to be inclusive environments, are available. In addition, it gives suggestions on how to approach certain situations surrounding gender to promote acceptance and prevent crossing boundaries. Educators can share elements of the resources with fellow students to open an appropriate discussion on gender.
Gender Spectrum Education Resources. (2019). Retrieved January 7, 2020, from https://www.genderspectrum.org/resources/education-2/.
Resource Four: Elementary Teacher’s Federation of Ontario resources (Website)
The Elementary Teacher’s Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is the organization which represents all registered elementary school teachers, provides protection for educators, and has a role in shaping students education. The site provides resources, such as policies on gender, ETFO’s work towards gender inclusivity, how to lead by example in creating gender acceptance, and how to foster a safe space for students. As future educators currently enrolled in the primary / junior sections of the University of Ottawa’s Bachelor of Education, being familiar with ETFO’s website and resources is important as it is relevant to the Ontario curriculum. The resources listed are relevant to creating gender-friendly classrooms while teaching within the Ontario school systems. This is a great list of resources to use as it is supported by an organization which has legal support and deems gender inclusivity an important part of education.
ETFO Suggested Resources for Gender Independent Children and Trans Youth/Adults. (2019). Retrieved January 7, 2020, from http://etfo.ca/BuildingAJustSociety/LGBTQ/pages/resourcesgenderindependentchildren.aspx
Resource Five: Developing Gender Inclusivity in PK-12 Schools (YouTube Video)
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) released this video of a teacher discussing what gender inclusivity means and the importance of it. Gender inclusivity is described as a spectrum for all students, no matter their gender, to identify with. Important steps can be taken by the school community to ensure safety and acceptance of all children, such as the design of school uniforms or how to address students. This video highlights important everyday topics which a teacher may be unaware is harmful to a student concerning gender. For example, using categorical language such as “boys and girls”, can reinforce gender rules and cause students to feel excluded. More gender inclusive language can be used, such as “my friends”, which has no reference to gender and can target all students equally. As a resource, it is most effective for educators or school counsels to view to be aware of potential factors which affect gender inclusivity.
Developing Gender Inclusivity in PK-12 Schools. (2019, July 22). Retrieved January 7, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxw19XdLjdQ.
Resource Six: Toilets, Bowties, Gender, and Me by Audrey Mason-Hyde (Ted Talk)
The current Ted Talk led by Audrey discusses their journey with discovering their gender and how gender norms or rules affect their ability to live an authentic life. Audrey mentions that their sex is female, but their gender does not fit in the typical boy or girl category. This Ted Talk sheds light on the issues individuals who do not conform to the gender binary face, such as harassment in bathrooms or questions on how to identify them. For educators or older students, this video provides insight to commonly encountered problems non-binary individuals cope with, which binary individuals may be unaware of due to the privilege being binary provides. Audrey suggests solutions to creating gender inclusivity within everyday society, which is also applicable to schools. In addition, due to Audrey’s young age, the content and language in the video are ideal for students as it’s simpler to comprehend and understand situationally what Audrey discusses.
Toilets, bowties, gender and me | Audrey Mason-Hyde | TEDxAdelaide. (2018, January 19). Retrieved January 7, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCLoNwVJA-0.
Resource Seven: The A-Z of Gender and Sexuality by Morgan Lev Edward Holleb (book)
The book, The A-Z of Gender and Sexuality, acts like a dictionary for all the terminology related to gender, including specific words relating to transgender and queer. The author of the book identifies as a non-binary transgender bi-sexual, providing the novel with first-person insight to allow for a more complex understanding. Holleb includes elements, such as which terminology is correct or appropriate to use when discussing gender and sexuality. This book is a good introductory resource for educators to use to expand their knowledge on the topic, especially if they see themselves as unqualified or a newcomer in teaching gender. Educators can incorporate factors, such as the definition of gender words, in their lessons and discuss what is politically or socially correct to say. In addition, the novel can be added to one’s classroom library for students to read on their own time.
Holleb, M. L. E. (2019). The A-Z of gender and sexuality: from Ace to Ze. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Resource Eight: Best of GenderTalk #567: Trans Teacher & Studying Trans Identity (Podcast)
GenderTalk is a radio / podcast station that discusses different gender issues, specifically focusing on transgenderism. On this episode the host talk with Mekah Gordon, who is a transgender woman who transitioned while holding a teaching position. Mekah Gordon is now a transgender rights activist. The podcast is interesting to listen to as Mekah Gordon discusses her current adventures, such as her plan to run for a political party to make strides for transgender women. In addition, Mekah Gordon mentions her struggles of transitioning while being a teacher in the United States, as not everyone was accepting of the transition. Although, Mekah Gordon was one of the first to be able to transition and keep her job as a teacher during the early 2000’s period. This resource is an interesting listen for educators as Mekah Gordon provides the teacher perspective mixed with her experience as a transgender woman. It is relatable for teachers as Mekah discusses her love for teaching or her appreciation for her students, which is easy for teachers to connect to her passion and career goals. Also, the ability to explain and relate trans identity to her journey can provide listeners with another level of understanding for gender, as well as collect tools on how to support the possibility of a future colleague transitioning one day.
Best of GenderTalk #567: Trans Teacher & Studying Trans Identity. (n.d.). Massachusetts.
Resource Nine: Billy Elliot (Movie)
The movie, Billy Elliot, is about a young boy growing up in a small town where gender rules and norms are highly reinforced. Billy Elliot does not want to learn boxing as his father wants. Instead, he starts to secretly learn ballet, which is very frowned upon once his father and the rest of the town’s people find out. In the end, Billy’s father acknowledges the importance of letting his son be his authentic self and supports Billy in his ballet dream. This is a great example of breaking gender stereotypes and allowing people to be who they are. The film is meant for older children, such as the later junior year or intermediate students. It is a resource parents can additionally use to teach their children about the power of conforming, the unnoticed rules around gender, and how to choose to do what makes you the happiest. Billy Elliot is a role model parents and teachers can use to demonstrate confidence, courage, and how gender is not defined by the clothes one wears or the activities one chooses.
Universal Studios. (2000). Billy Elliot.
Resource Ten: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Transgender Youth (Article)
HuffPost published an article providing parents / guardians with ways to support their transgender children. It covers topics, such as social, medical, and additionally, how to support oneself throughout the transition. It highlights the importance of being open, communicating, using the child’s new chosen name for social aspects. As for medical, it discusses the importance of including a medical profession, the use of puberty blockers, and the possible surgery to help the transition process. The tips listed under the social portion is also useful for educators to use, as well as for educators to teach their students about how to help transgender individuals in the school feel accepted. For parents or guardians, this is an effective resource as it is written in a user-friendly language (ex. non-scientific) but discussing facts which support why parents need to accept their transgender youth in order to promote a healthy transition. The final portion about supporting oneself is significant too as parents may struggle with letting go of the idea of the child they held, which may require outside support or even educating oneself on gender and transgender individuals.
System, M. S. H. (2017, May 12). A Parent's Guide to Supporting Transgender Youth. Retrieved January 9, 2020, from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-parents-guide-to-supporting-transgender-youth_b_5915beaae4b02d6199b2ee3f.
Resource Eleven: The Gender-Friendly Classroom (online article)
Education Canada Magazine released an article focusing on how to incorporate gender into the classroom in an open and appropriate manner. It tackles issues such as what the school can do to normalize a spectrum of gender. Also, it discusses limitations a school may be unknowingly placing on students, by making them seem exceptional instead of just normal individuals. Secondly, it provides tips for teachers to use in their classroom to allow students to feel safe in being themselves and discovering who they are. Having open communication about gender being a spectrum and having various meaning depending on an individual is crucial in showing the diversity of gender. A teacher can also discuss their relationship with gender to act as a model for students. This resource is effective for schools and educators to read as it discusses topics that the other resources have yet to touch on, such as the negative effects of making one exceptional or being responsible in owning unfriendly-gender content. In addition, the article includes videos and a downloadable discussion kit for teachers to expand their knowledge. The main author of the article is a professor on gender and sexuality, making the resource a creditable site to learn information on.
Airton, L., Lee, C., Bennett, H., Reid, E., Parker, C., & Chan, A. W. Y. (2019, May 17). The Gender-Friendly Classroom: Education Canada Magazine. Retrieved January 10, 2020, from https://www.edcan.ca/articles/gender-friendly-classroom/.
Resource Twelve: Sexual & Gender Diversity - Teachers: Teaching Sexual Health (Website)
The following website focuses more specifically on the ability to teach sexual health to students in Canada, but it also touches on topics of gender. It discusses multiple gender alliances, as well as gender terms, definitions, and how teachers can positively teach gender. Gender alliances are a good resource to educate children to provide them with a group with similar others and a place where they do not have to question their belonging. Although, an educator’s goal is to ensure students feel accepted no matter their identity within the classroom. In addition to providing basic information on gender, this website allows educators to sign up for online workshops to learn more about how to educate on sexual health and gender. Being online allows workshops to be accessible to educators. Other benefits include tips on discussing sensitive subjects, lesson plans, and how to intervene with bullying in relation to gender and sexuality.
Sexual & Gender Diversity - Teachers: Teaching Sexual Health. (2019). Retrieved January 10, 2020, from https://teachingsexualhealth.ca/teachers/sexual-health-education/information-by-topic/sexual-orientation-gender-identity/.
Resource Thirteen: When Aidan Became a Brother (storybook)
When Aidan Became a Brother is a children’s storybook discussing a young transgender boy’s transition. When Aidan was born, he was identified as female but realized later on that he identified as a boy. Aidan’s parents accepted the transition and helped him, but Aidan becomes worried about his new sibling’s gender and the possibility of it not matching. The story follows how Aidan’s parents explain how they will help with those situations if they occur. This is a good book to include in a primary classroom to educate children on transgender, especially as children are gaining the courage to speak up younger when their gender does not match their sex. Parents can also utilize this book to help begin to explain early on about different gender identities. Its presented in a way that is friendly and interesting for children to learn and understand gender. Gender is not a topic typically discussed with younger children, which makes this extremely beneficial.
Lukoff, K., & Juanita, K. (2019). When Aidan became a brother. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc.
Resource Fourteen: Genderbread Person (Teaching Resource)
The Genderbread Person is a way to teach all students, no matter their age, about gender. The outside of the Genderbread Person is related to expression and how one decides to present themselves. The brain is to represent gender identity, the heart represents attraction, and the last symbol is to show anatomical sex. Different spectrums are related to each symbol too. The Genderbread Person is an easy image to download offline and to post in one’s classroom. It is a child-friendly way to explain gender and the components of gender. In addition, for adults who have a difficulty understanding gender, the Genderbread Person is also a simple format to comprehend how gender operates on a spectrum.
Hues. (n.d.). An Adorable, Accessible Way to Explain a Complicated Concept " The Genderbread Person. Retrieved January 10, 2020, from https://www.genderbread.org/.
Resource Fifteen: Gender is Not a Straight Line (YouTube Video)
Charlie Hobman is a teenage transgender male who is attempting to change the way society treats gender and transgender by speaking out on a Ted Talk. Charlie mentions different societal beliefs which govern people, such as gender dictates bathroom usage, but in reality, there is no legal rule to enforce it. The importance of self-discovery is highlighted, despite one’s gender association. Charlie advocates that self-discovery should be a part of the school environment to help students figure out information about themselves, such as likes, dislikes, talents, or self-expression. Although grand steps have been made to create safer environments and higher acceptance for gender differences, there is still plenty of room for improvement. Teachers can utilize this video in their classrooms to showcase an age-relatable figure for students to connect with. Also, Charlie’s words aim to normalize the spectrum of gender, allowing viewing students to hear these important messages. For example, an individual’s sex can be male, their gender can be male, but some of their preferences may align closer to the femininity side of the spectrum. Many different factors contribute to who someone is and how they identify.
Hobman, C. (2015, June 24). Gender is Not a Straight Line. Retrieved January 10, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI0yARyFoIM.
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