Did you know trees talk to each other? 
Its true, they do!
​
Trees collaborate through a complex system of fungi buried in the soil. Deep within the network of roots and mycelium, trees send signals to one another to communicate their needs like nutrients and other limiting factors.

I look to trees when modeling my own communication strategies in and out of the classroom. My teaching philosophy relies heavily on collaboration and transparency between my community,  staff and students. I want to create an environment where students are taught to recognize what they need and how to ask for help attaining it. Teachers are allowed to ask for help too! I want to foster a culture where educators balance each other's strengths an weaknesses. Practicing regular open and thoughtful communication ultimately makes us a stronger,  more cohesive educating team.

My Ideal Bookshelf

Picture













My ideal bookshelf as a child looked a lot like the one I illustrated above. Today my bookshelf will be filled with books that celebrate and depict diverse groups of cultures and identies.

Children's books are a valuable resource for educators to explore difficult and typically controversial topics like gender norms and heteronormative cultural expectations. Educators have a responsibility and important role in guiding and encouraging students to discuss current events. LGBTQ children's literature is an genre and  I want to create a culture of LGBT inclusivity into my classroom. ​

Instead of ignoring questions about current events and historically controversial subjects, what if we used the classroom as a safe space to discuss and engage students in conversation about civil and human rights? How can educators incorporate gay, bi and trans figures into the curriculum?  

​We have the capacity to include inspiring LGBTQ figures in our classroom and continue to send a strong, positive message to all students.

GLSEN's The safe Space Kit

Safe Space Kit is GLSEN’s Guide to Being an Ally to LGBTQ Students. This is an excellent resource teachers can use to help develop a safe, inclusive environment.  Student's must be taught, just like any other subject, how their language and actions can be inappropriate and harmful to some students. It is our responsibility, as teachers, to practice what we preach.
“One of the greatest challenges we face on a daily basis is not what the students do to one another. in fact, sadly, it is what is said by some of my colleaguesabout the students.” — Alternative High School educator, ohio
"The ultimate antidote to the threats facing LGBT students lies in a robust commitment to inclusion and empowerment."
"Avoid the boy/girl dichotomy when dividing student into groups, and think twice before joking with students about relationships or crushes"
“ I have learned that harassment in schools is a norm. Kids would scream the term ‘faggot’ as they saw me in the halls. None of the teachers said a word, and that is what scared me... I don’t feel safe at my school because I’m gay.”  — 11th Grade Student, NC