Chapter 11-Sexual Orientation

After reading this chapter, I have learned that during the middle school years is when children really start to identify themselves into a certain sexual orientation group. The average age for when a student recognizes his or her own ‘way of life’ is 13, this is during their 7^th grade year, which is exactly what grade I teach. It is critical, no matter what our own thoughts on the controversial topic may be, that teachers be a support system for ALL students. Taylor stated that during this time in their lives is when they would receive the most harassment. Whether students feel comfortable telling us or not, we can still be a solid supporter of the student as a whole. This can be done on an individual teacher basis, school counselor, or even support groups.

When I first saw the title of the chapter, I immediately thought of one or two particular students within my classroom. What I did not consider, was the peer teacher aspect. I found it interesting that teachers who are openly gay, are not permitted to teach in some states. Does one’s sexual orientation coincide with their ability to teach students? As Taylor pointed out, students, teachers and parents need to be educated on the controversial issue of GLBT and how it plays a role in the classroom. Ignorance is detrimental to society.

Ch. 11 Question: Regardless of your own thoughts on the GLBT topic, how can you as a teacher be a supporter of students who may fit into this category of homosexual, bisexual, or transsexual? How can we handle situations in a professional manner? Are there policies or groups put into place at your school? What do these entail? Do you think they are a positive addition?