Small Steps, Big Impact: LGBTQ Identity in Schools with Aaron Rupchand-Kokotek

Teaching While Queer: Advocacy For LGBTQ Folks In Schools & Education To Live & Work As Your Authentic Self

Ask A Queer Educator

Teaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 9
Ever felt like you're living a future that didn't exist in your childhood? That's the extraordinary journey of Aaron Rupchand-Kokotek (he/him), a queer science teacher who navigated his self-discovery in a conservative Jewish school. Our chat explores his queer awakening, the remarkable evolution of educational content, and the nuances of teaching while queer. Take a walk with us down memory lane as we unravel how changes in gender and identity expression discussions in classrooms have spurred a seismic shift in teaching.
Shaping young minds in a diverse environment is no easy task, and Aaron chalks it out beautifully for us. Together, we stress on the subtleties we often overlook, like honouring each student's unique identity by learning correct name pronunciations and acknowledging varying gender expressions. Ever considered the impact a Pride flag in a sixth-grade classroom could make? Aaron's experience gives us a profound look at just how such small steps can shape a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students.
Teaching is hard, teaching while queer in a conservative community, even more so. Aaron doesn't shy away from sharing his struggles - from wrestling with censorship in education to grappling administrative quandaries over online controversies. We wrap it all up by sharing strategies to turn classrooms into safe havens for LGBTQ+ students. From visible queer identities and pushing for structural changes, to encouraging students to explore their gender identities and pronouns, these are the strides we need to make. So tune in, and let's learn to evolve, transform and truly educate.

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The podcast explores the challenges and successes of LGBTQ representation in education, addressing issues such as burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the importance of advocacy in creating inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies, with a focus on supporting non-binary teachers and gender identity in schools to combat the feeling of isolation and lack of community.

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1. Small Steps, Big Impact: LGBTQ Identity in Schools with Aaron Rupchand-Kokotek (00:00:00)

2. Teaching While Queer (00:00:05)

3. Name Pronunciation and Teaching Connections (00:08:23)

4. Queer Representation in Middle School (00:19:43)

5. Navigating Authenticity as a Queer Teacher (00:25:14)

6. Inclusive Environment for LGBTQ+ Students (00:34:08)