Student Involvement in Ongoing Learning

Creating opportunities for students to share their experiences is one way that meaningful youth engagement can lead to more SOGI-inclusive schools. Speaking directly to educators can be intimidating for some and empowering for others, so we have offered a variety of entry points depending on students’ needs. Regardless of how it is packaged, powerful learning often comes from connecting to personal stories.

Here are examples of creative ways that students have taught their teachers:

• Student Presentations such as a Lunch & Learn or similar event for teachers. Some staff have invited students to attend a more official professional development session that provided the opportunity to speak at the district level. These in-person opportunities can even provide students with more insight into educator’s perspectives.

• Student Videos created by a GSA and designed to be shared with the staff in the school or district. Not only can it be an easier way to speak as students know that they can edit or re-do anything they say, it also gives other students a way to be involved who don’t want to speak – as editors, interviewers, or other film making roles.

• Student Art that expresses what they wish their teachers knew about them through displays, posters, or other ways to share a message. Present these in hallways or places where staff will be pausing and might take a moment to read, such as beside photocopiers or other high-traffic areas.

Remember that these could all apply to families as well, for example if there are youth with 2SLGBTQ+ parents.