Safe Zone Training: Creating A Safe Space For All
In the Spring of 2022, I had the privilege of attending a social justice event titled "Safe Zones: Creating a Safe Space for students in the LGBTQ+ Community." The event noted the history of the LGBTQ+ community, and how schools can be a place where they feel loved, respected, and celebrated. The presenters also presented data that showed how students who felt safe and respected in the classroom setting resulted in higher social skills and higher academic scores. They also tackled personal bias, which they saw as a huge problem for students in the community. They spoke about how personal bias can affect a child's learning because they do not feel safe n a space where they need to in order to learn. They addressed how educators must first address their own personal bias before being ready to teach students who are w part of the community or might have parents/guardians that identify with the community as well. The presentation also gave educators resources on how to reach out to ensure that students in the community are comfortable in the classroom and emphasized ethical approaches to the community instead of personal bias.
As an educator, this training allowed for me to see what personal bias would look like in a classroom, and allowed for me to see examples of how I can support students in the classroom who might identify with the community themselves, or might have loved ones in the community. Educators must be willing to have materials in the classroom that represent people of all different backgrounds, including those who are in the community or have loved ones n the community. =