about Gender Identity Justice in Schools and Communities
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- $33.99
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- $33.99
Publisher Description
This premiere book in the new Teachers College Press series School : Questions carefully walks readers through both theory and practice to equip them with the skills needed to bring gender identity justice into classrooms, schools, and ultimately society. The text looks into the root causes and ways to change the conditions that have created gender identity injustice. It opens up spaces where evolving, indeterminate gender identities will be understood and recognized as asset-based, rich sources for learning literacy and literacy learning. As educators take up the strategies mapped out across this text, they will learn how to foster school environments that aid all students in becoming agents for social change. This text is the first of its kind to address gender identity in teacher education with pathways to take up the work in communities and beyond.
“...an illuminating guide for educators and administrators on creating a safe and welcoming space for gender-nonconforming students in schools. Miller’s guidance is comprehensive, nonjudgmental, and accessible to all readers. The balanced mix of pedagogical theory and practical advice should prove instrumental to educators seeking to make their classrooms more inclusive.”
—Publishers Weekly
“This work stands as an invitation to learn together and work for more socially just schools.”
—From the Foreword by Cris T. Mayo, West Virginia University
“This is a book for teachers to learn not just the ins and outs about gender identity, but also why gender identity matters in the fight for justice.”
—Bettina Love, University of Georgia
“Provides key tools and analysis for a wide range of school-based personnel to create flourishing environments for all students.”
—Erica R. Meiners, Northeastern Illinois University
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Education activist Miller (Teaching, Affirming, and Recognizing Trans and Gender Creative Youth) presents an illuminating guide for educators and administrators on creating a safe and welcoming space for gender-nonconforming students in schools. The author begins by highlighting the difficulties these students face, including microaggressions, "identity-based violence and social marginalization," and fluctuating federal legislation regarding their rights. The concept of cisgender privilege is insightfully defined, allowing the reader a greater understanding of the many ordinary rights a cisgender person takes for granted that a gender-nonconforming person is often denied (such as adequate health care and appropriate bathroom facilities). Miller also notes some of the well-meaning but misguided tactics teachers should avoid, including promoting "diversity," a term that posits a societal "norm" from which gender-nonconforming individuals are supposedly deviating, and offers concrete tactics educators can implement to include gender-nonconforming students. These include using personal introductions in which students are invited state their preferred names and pronouns, encouraging students to think critically about gender norms, and conducting "conversation about the flexibility of gender and gender identity." Fundamentally, Miller explains, "Validation legitimizes existence and place in the world." Miller's guidance is comprehensive, nonjudgmental, and accessible to all readers. The balanced mix of pedagogical theory and practical advice should prove instrumental to educators seeking to make their classrooms more inclusive.
