Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Education: As Easy As 123!
Presentation: Steve Mulligan
Session F | 11:50- 12:30 | Location: Room 1003
Abstract:
Teachers shape our society. They welcome new immigrants, include students with special needs, and help students understand and care for one another. Studies suggest however, that while 85% of teachers approve of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) inclusive education, only 37% have actively participated, and the most common reason for this gap is a lack of training and resources. This lack of discussion causes students to suffer in silence, to be tormented by those empowered by it, and limits all students to be who they want to be in the world.
This year saw changes in law and Ministry of Education policy, which resulted in collaboration between the BCTF, UBC’s Faculty of Education, the Ministry of Education, and the ARC Foundation to launch a new campaign, website and pilot project aimed at helping educators move the SOGI conversation forward in BC schools.
This presentation will first familiarize participants with the tools and resources included on the newly launched website SOGIeducation.org, which demonstrates that SOGI inclusive education is as simple as SOGI 1 2 3:
- SOGI 1: Policies & Procedures – The key components of effective SOGI-inclusive policies and procedures from development to action
- SOGI 2: Inclusive School Environments – highlighting essential terminology, inclusive language and best practices
- SOGI 3: Curriculum Resources – Ready-to-use, age-appropriate, SOGI-inclusive lesson plans, films and books that align with the new BC curriculum for integration at all grade levels
Finally, we will share exciting details about a new and very successful model, the BC SOGI Education Network, which supports teachers and students in their schools through a SOGI school lead. These on the ground volunteers are guided by a SOGI district coordinator, who collaborates with and is supported by those across the provincial network.
Be a part of this change to not simply tell students that it gets better, but to MAKE IT BETTER! Whether your focus is elementary, secondary, teacher education, or administration, this session will show you how to get started to create and inspire environments where all students not only feel safer, but are included and empowered.