OUR MISSIONThe Proud Teacher Initiative is a network of LGBTQ educators supporting one another as professionals in schools. The Initiative aims to make schools safe, welcoming and personally affirming for educators to explore the intersection of their LGBTQ identity and their practice. We believe LGBTQ educators are more effective and influential when they can be authentic and open about themselves. We envision schools that celebrate all identities in learning communities where every voice is heard, valued and respected.OUR STORYThe Proud Teacher Initiative started in November 2013 when a small group of lesbian and gay teachers and administrators from seven elementary schools met with Dr. Wayne A. Reed. A professor in the School of Education at Brooklyn College (CUNY) and a gay educator himself, Dr. Reed recognized a "crisis" faced by gay and lesbian pre-service teachers entering the profession. He hoped to provide new teachers with mentorship and guidance. The group soon discovered that both new and seasoned gay and lesbian elementary educators need safe spaces to negotiate their identity in schools.Over the 2013-2014 school year, educators in the group explored challenges and possibilities of self-disclosing in schools. They observed that self-disclosure by queer teachers, even in Brooklyn's so-called "progressive" elementary schools, was not common. As each member considered ways they themselves might more fully actualize their identity in individual classrooms, the group provided invaluable support and feedback. The group developed a greater appreciation for the uniqueness of each person's situation and school context. Several teachers who ultimately decided to self-disclose to students and parents found being more fully "out" increased their efficacy as educators.Since 2014, the school-based educators engaged in this work has broadened significantly. Together, they continue to explore what participation as LGBTQ educators in schools might look like. Through social gatherings, regular meetings and workshop presentations, the scope of conversations has also expanded to include 6th – 12th-grade teachers in public and independent school settings. Ongoing dialogue consistently deepens the group's commitments – delineated in its mission and values. We remain committed to examining the intersections of race, class, religion, gender presentation and culture with queer identity, as they pertain to practice in schools.

Website: http://www.proudteacherinitiative.org

Employees: 1

HQ:

Location: New York, New York, United States

Revenue: