Celebrating World Teachers’ Day
World Teachers' Day, celebrated every year on 5th October, provides us all with the opportunity to honour and acknowledge the remarkable contributions of fellow teachers across the world. It is a time to recognise the crucial role teachers play in shaping our children and young people as they prepare for life in a global society. This year's theme, "The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage" is an increasingly important one. However, as we celebrate teachers, it is equally crucial to address the wellbeing and mental health of LGBTQ+ educators in particular and emphasise the importance of creating inclusive environments where they can be their authentic selves at work and therefore improve recruitment and retention of staff.
As well as having to deliver the prescribed curriculum, teachers role models who inspire and guide students every day. An essential skill of effective teaching is the ability to forge personal connections with students, developing trust and understanding. LGBTQ+ teachers, just like our straight colleagues, deserve the opportunity to bring their authentic selves into the classroom. Research shows that when teachers are empowered to be authentic, it not only benefits them but also has a profound impact on the students they teach (Lee, 2019); there’s no longer a feeling of ‘surviving’ the school day, but flourishing.
“For LGBTQ+ teachers, embracing your true self and living authentically can have a positive impact on mental health.”
For LGBTQ+ teachers, embracing your true self and living authentically can have a positive impact on mental health. Concealing your identity or fearing discrimination and prejudice can lead to chronic stress and anxiety. When LGBTQ+ educators experience support within their schools and communities, they can find a sense of belonging and reduced stress, resulting in improved mental health. While LGBTQ+ teachers can serve as positive role models for LGBTQ+ students who may be grappling with their own identities, it’s important for allies of these teachers to recognise this and support LGBTQ+ teachers with the ‘burdon’ that can come with being the tokenistic LGBTQ+ teacher in a school. Knowing that there are teachers who share their experiences, and who can provide empathy can in turn provide hope, inspiration, and a sense of acceptance for all.
Establishing an inclusive environment is paramount for cultivating empathy and tolerance among students and fellow teachers. When LGBTQ+ educators openly acknowledge their identities, it sends a powerful message of acceptance and diversity to students, facilitating the creation of a more inclusive and welcoming school culture.
Sadly however, despite progress in LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, challenges persist for LGBTQ+ teachers. Discrimination, harassment, and concerns about job security can make it challenging for them to be open about their identities in their workplaces. Furthermore, not all school environments are supportive or inclusive, leading to feelings of isolation and stress.
Therefore, educational spaces and communities play a pivotal role in supporting LGBTQ+ educators:
1. Developing Inclusive Policies: Schools should establish and enforce anti-discrimination policies that safeguard LGBTQ+ educators against harassment and discrimination. These policies should be communicated clearly to all staff and students.
2. Training and Professional Development: Provide training for staff and students on LGBTQ+ issues, creating awareness and fostering understanding.
3. Support Networks: Create support networks or LGBTQ+ groups within the school to establish a sense of community and solidarity among LGBTQ+ educators and students and allies.
4. Allyship: Encourage allyship within the school community, where heterosexual and cisgender individuals actively support and advocate for their LGBTQ+ colleagues and peers.
As we celebrate World Teachers' Day and recognise the global importance of addressing the teacher shortage, it’s also important to create an environment where all teachers, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive. The wellbeing and mental health of LGBTQ+ educators are imperative, not only for their own welfare but also for the benefit of their students and society as a whole. Embracing authenticity and inclusivity in our schools will not only make teachers happier but will also create a more compassionate and understanding world for the students they teach.
In our efforts to promote authenticity and inclusivity, our 'Advocate' and 'Champion' plans can be invaluable tools for schools. These plans offer ongoing support, knowledge and guidance for all staff to create environments where LGBTQ+ educators can flourish and contribute their unique perspectives to improve education spaces for all. By working with us, schools can take meaningful steps towards fostering a more inclusive and accepting educational system, truly embodying this year's World Teachers' Day theme of "The teachers we need for the education we want."