Case
Seriously

I am a Lesbian and will soon be in the classroom teaching. What I find to be discouraging is that students will be able to tell I am lesbian by just my looks. I am worried that they will not respect my title and me as their instructor. How can I bridge the gap between them disrespecting me/ judging me and them respecting me regardless of how I look?

Posted on: 03/09/16 | Views: 1383
Solution #1
Top Solution
This question goes beyond your sexuality and deeper as a person. Children should be taught to respect people period. This is an important lesson to teach children. I know there are many books and videos on multicultural and diversity. These issues of prejudice and fear need to be address at an early age, so you are at a perfect advantage as a teacher to be able to bring these things to forefront. Education is the key to breaking these barriers of respect, for people of all kinds. The Holocaust is a great example of what happens when a dictator wants everyone to look and behave the same. We are all created equal, unique and valuable...teach them that, they will respect you.

I think this is a great solution. Teaching and modeling respect in your classroom is a great start along with multicultural literature.

I like this solution. A lesson on respect and accepting others should be mandatory.

I think this is a good solution. Teaching respect and then modeling it is important and needed in classrooms.

I agree! They should already be taught how to respect anyone.

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Solution #2
I think that if you go into your classroom with warm open arms, show that you care, love, and support them from day one, they will do the same for you. Don't let your fears take over the love of teaching you have. Be yourself, and I think you will see that they will not even think any negative thoughts about you, when they see how important you become to them.
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Solution #3
If you want to be open with your students and the question comes up I think you should answer openly. As humans we are judgmental creatures there is no two ways about it. But when it comes to them disrespecting you don't let it happen. You are their teacher, you need to take charge of your classroom and deal with misbehavior and disrespect in an appropriate manner. Make it very clear to your students you will not tolerate any sort of disrespect towards you or other students. You can also talk about differences among people in your lessons and how to approach them in real life.

i believe talking about your sexuality openly if it comes up and educating the students will be more beneficial

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Solution #4
First off you are lowing your expectations of yourself and your students. If you do not have confidence in yourself then your students will eat you alive. Your classroom has nothing to do with your love life. Also, you cannot judge these kids by how young they are. You could have students with two moms or two dads. You have to remember the society you are teaching in today. I think the only thing you need to worry about is the questions they may ask you. I think you should have a baseline answer for them, and then explain to them that we are not here to talk about your personal life, but to teach them.
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Solution #5
The important part is that if there are students who don't respect you solely based on your preferences it is then important to explain to the them that, you are in charge regardless of whether they like it or not and that just because you like or dislike something doesn't make you less or better, we are all human, all with differences that is what makes everything work.
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Solution #6
I think treating them with respect and being open and honest about everything will help this situation. Showing the students diversity and that it's okay if others aren't the same as them will help them develop respect for everyone. Being honest shows the students that it's okay to open up about who they are, and it could help students in ways you wouldn't see, such as giving them courage to come out.

I agree that showing them diversity is great, but I don't see how she should talk about her personal life to avoid anything.

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Solution #7
I think being open to conversation and questions is a huge thing! Obviously there are questions in which you have to be prepared for and may not be permitted to answer. But, I think the students will respect you. I am in a middle school and there are many teachers who are lesbians and as you said, "look the part"... they are some of the greatest teachers and well-liked teachers. Dependent on your grade, but you might be able to be a role model to the students who are struggling with their own identity, whether that be sexuality or something else. Just be you--- you're a teacher, you have a kind heart and the students will respond to that!

I agree. I think they won't care about her personal life but if she feels comfortable with answering any questions or sharing then she should be fine. Don't overthink too much.

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Solution #8
I would maybe talk with them before you even start teaching, in order to get any awkwardness between both you and the students out of the way. I would let them know that I am a human being just like they are, and regardless of my preferences I will promise to be a great teacher to them. I will try and gain their trust before I start teaching, and if anyone has an issue with me I can tell them to take it up with the principle.
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Solution #9
I think creating an open safe space that everyone feels that they are able to be heard will keep judgements out.
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Solution #10
I do not think that I will matter to the students. I think that if you are yourself they will accept you for who you are as a person. My advice would be to focus on the positive aspects such as you doing what you love to do. I think that with today's day and age it is not a worry anymore. I wish you good luck with your teaching career!

I agree. I don't think it would matter to the students but she can do whatever she feels comfortable with.

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Solution #11
Hi! Depending on what school grade you will be teaching that is how you should approach the students. I think that students would not judge you because of your preferences, I think they would be more worried about how much homework and classwork they will get. Like I said before, it will all depend on how you approach them on the first day. Good Luck!
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Solution #12
I think it's up to you to mold your students on how they view all people with respect.
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Solution #13
Don't be worried and just shake it off

As much as i would like to agree not everyone can have that kind of thick skin or the ability to work after certain comments.

This is not a good solution because it won't solve anything. The teacher is still going to be worried and it might affect her teaching.

She will most likely not have a strong bond with her students out of fear of what they might think of her if she just "shakes it off"

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