Leading Classroom Conversations on Sensitive Topics: Monsieur Steve's Approach

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

Ask A Queer Educator

Host, Bryan Stanton (he/they), sits down with Toronto-based French Immersion teacher Monseiur Steve (he/him). They talk everything from the difference in educational standards between the US and Canada to similar experiences growing up in the 90s.
Have you ever wondered about the profound impact a teacher's personal journey can have on their approach to teaching? Well, prepare to be moved as we share an intimate conversation with Monsieur Steve, an inspiring grade two, three French immersion teacher from Toronto. He candidly unfolds his life story, detailing a journey of self-discovery, his struggle with acceptance within a religious and stifling environment, and how his experiences of bullying and denial of transfer to a more accepting school have molded his teaching philosophy.
Our discussion broadens to tackle the challenges of addressing sensitive topics in an elementary classroom. Monsieur Steve shares insights into his approach of creating a secure environment for his students, heavily influenced by his own experiences. He reflects on the societal pressures in Canada and the US, and the indelible impact his students have made on his life. As our conversation progresses, we turn our attention to the pressing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the critical importance of voting.
In the latter part of our dialogue, we focus on the potential outcomes of suppressing LGBTQ+ conversations in classrooms and the ripple effect on students and their families. We critically analyze the three anti-LGBTQ+ bills in Texas and the current voting challenges in the US. We also stress the importance of visibility in media in raising awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. Wrapping up our chat, Monsieur Steve gives us an insight into his unique teaching method for authentic French, and the effect of his educational videos. Join us for an episode that is as enlightening as it is heartfelt.

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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.

فصول

1. Leading Classroom Conversations on Sensitive Topics: Monsieur Steve's Approach (00:00:00)

2. Teaching While Queer (00:00:05)

3. Teaching Sensitive Topics in Elementary Classroom (00:08:04)

4. LGBTQ+ Challenges and Importance of Voting (00:20:36)

5. Teaching Authentic French in the Classroom (00:31:03)