WORKSHOPS ON DIVERSITY/EQUITY/INCLUSION

It takes a special type of calling to become a teacher or administrator. With this privilege comes great responsibility and the chance to make a major difference in the life of a child. This is especially true for those students who identify on the transgender spectrum. This interactive workshop offers teachers, support staff, and administrators the unique opportunity to explore how to create a classroom and culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion for the transgender and/or non-binary (TGNB) students in your school, which in turn fosters gender equality for all students. Through games, activities, and graphic organizers provided from D. M. Maynard’s book, The Reflective Workbook for Teachers and Support Staff of Trans and Non-Binary Students: Your School’s Transition as Your Students Transition, educators and administrators will learn ways to incorporate practical and easy to implement strategies and techniques to help and support TGNB and/or gender questioning students in your school, regardless of their grade level.

As the needs and acceptance of these students become more and more apparent, it is imperative for all those working in schools to gain a clearer understanding of the critical role they can play in the lives of TGNB students in their school to feel safe, respected, and heard. Whether school psychologists, social workers, nurses, or guidance counselors are familiar with the Trans community or part of it, current vocabulary, and school polices or not, there will be something new for everyone to bring back to their school that will have a positive impact on TGNB and/or gender questioning students. This interactive training offers the unique opportunity to explore the topics and vocabulary that are relevant to this community as they reflect on their own thoughts, feelings, and biases in a non-judgmental setting that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion of transgender and/or non-binary (TGNB) students.

Though many students will be familiar with the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion, a portion of the school student body may not know how to appropriately support and openly address relevant topics and ways they can best help those in their school who identify on the transgender spectrum and/or are questioning their gender be heard. Through reflective questioning, interactive activities, and facilitated conversations, all students will be invited to voice their thoughts in an honest and respectful discussion that fosters a welcoming environment, embraces everyone's needs, and a safe space to obtain an education. 

This workshop will provide a platform for members of PTA's/PTO's, parents, caregivers, and those who are a part of the school community to understand how to best honor the needs of transgender and/or non-binary (TGNB) students and school personnel in a supportive setting. This forum will educate the attendees on relevant topics and new vocabulary in an appropriate and simple manner. Participants will have the opportunity to voice their concerns, ask the questions they want addressed, and learn ways to demystify the unknowns in a safe and non-judgmental environment to become more informed and better educated. 

Growing as a mental health provider or medical professional requires one to remain current and aware of issues that can affect the lives of those they serve. With this privilege comes great responsibility and the chance to make a major difference in the life of a patient. This interactive training offers the unique opportunity to explore the topics and vocabulary that are relevant to this community as they reflect on their own thoughts, feelings, biases, and privilege in a non-judgmental setting that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion of transgender and/or non-binary (TGNB) patients, their partners, parents, and other family members. Through games, activities, and graphic organizers provided from D. M. Maynard’s The Reflective Workbook Series, mental health providers and medical professionals will learn ways to incorporate practical strategies and techniques to help and support these patients in their practice, regardless of their experience of working with TGNB and/or gender questioning clients and/or their partners, parents, and other family members.