Teach Like an Ally: An Educator's Guide to Nurturing LGBTQ+ Students - Paperback

by Flint del Sol (Author), V. Spehar (Foreword by)

Answers to all your burning questions and practical advice for helping LGBTQ+ students thrive

In Teach Like an Ally: An Educator's Guide to Nurturing LGBTQ+ Students, veteran classroom teacher and celebrated transgender advocate Flint Del Sol weaves humor, storytelling, and expertise into a hands-on guide for educator-allies. Del Sol offers actionable strategies that you can implement in classrooms right away. He also tackles the complex questions teachers face: What should you do when a student asks for one name in the classroom, but another at home? Or when you're sure a student is trans, but they haven't said anything to you? How do you know your bathroom pass policy isn't hurting your most vulnerable students? What do you do when your values are at odds with school policy?

Building a positive school climate doesn't have to be intimidating. In Teach Like an Ally, you'll learn how educators can support each other and how we can all give LGBTQ+ students the best possible chance to flourish.

• Get candid answers to difficult questions about LGBTQ+ students in the classroom
• Become a stronger ally by understanding what LGBTQ+ students go through in secondary school settings
• Learn the research-backed practices you can implement to make your classroom a safe space for all
• Support all students in developing compassion and understanding for one another

This pragmatic book is for teachers, administrators, families, and anyone committed to the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students in secondary classrooms.

Back Jacket

ACCESSIBLE STRATEGIES FOR BECOMING A MORE EFFECTIVE ALLY FOR LGBTQ+ STUDENTS

"Poignant, inspiring, and timely, Teach Like an Ally is a must-read for anyone with LGBTQ+ young people in their lives. Flint's well-researched guide from the perspective of a transgender lifelong educator should be on every teacher's reading list, and on the shelves of anyone looking to deepen their understanding of and support for LGBTQ+ young people."
--SHANE DIAMOND, Director of Communications and Advocacy, GLAAD

"Teach Like an Ally is unapologetic, and yet, also incredibly forgiving, and patient with every reader. It is deeply informed by Flint's personal queer experiences, and backed by his work as an educator, as well as his research into the topic at hand. This book is incredibly poignant and beyond critical for today's educators and for the well-being of all students."
--RAELEE SWEET, Assistant Manager of Education at It Gets Better

"Del Sol turned his 10+ years of classroom experience, and insight from coming out as trans on the job, into a compassionate and practical guide. We need books like this now more than ever!"
--MAIA KOBABE, Author of Gender Queer: A Memoir

Author Biography

Rising to prominence as a thought leader and noted online presence after documenting his experiences transitioning as a public school teacher in conservative Southern California, FLINT DEL SOL has lent his voice for the edification of thousands in the world of queer advocacy, allyship, and social emotional pedagogy. With messaging that reaches across regions and political parties, he is an activist for connection, empathy, and nuance in a world that primarily rewards the rhetoric of division.