GENDER,
SEXUAL
IDENTITY, &
SEXUAL
ORIENTATION
Gender Bias in the Classroom
Gender bias-Stereotypical views and differential
treatment of males and females, usually favoring one
over another
Gender role identity- societal differences in
expectations and beliefs about appropriate roles and
behaviors of the two sexes
Male
Female
Gender Bias in the Classroom
Prevention
-promote integration and equal
participation
-treat male and females equally
-avoid stereotypes
-communicate openly

Sexual Identity and Orientation



LGBT-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
Gay, lesbian, or bisexual refers to a sexual
orientation
Transgender refers to a sexual identity
Sexual Identity and Orientation

Phases
Phase1- feeling different, slowly developing
awareness
 Phase 2-confusion, looking for support and role
models
 Phase 3- acceptance and share with those who are
close to them

Sexual Identity and Orientation




Various studies have found that GLB youth become
aware that they are different at a young age—
elementary to middle school.
Roughly 3-10% of students differ in sexual
orientation
Gay/lesbian students victim to higher levels of
bullying and sexual harassment
82% of GLBTQ students say teachers rarely/never
intervene to stop homophobic remarks
Harassment

Gender


enforcing gender roles
Sexual

Unwanted or unwelcome sexual-orientated behavior
- Touching, grabbing, gestures, comments/gossip

Interferes with a student’s well-being
Harassment




Includes sexual comments and spreading
sexual rumors
Roughly 80% of students are victims of
sexual harassment, girls slightly more often
than boys.
Most harassment is peer-peer, but 25% of
girls and 10% of boys in studies report
having been sexually harassed by a teacher
Most prevalent in middle school
Signs and Symptoms

Depression

Skipping Class

Attempted Suicide

Drug and alcohol abuse

Academic decline
Importance and Impact

Teachers have a responsibility to ensure a safe and
secure learning environment for every student



Free of gender bias and harassment
Gender differences should not become gender
inequalities
Failure to respond leads to further isolation
Things You MUST Do


Uphold school policies
Naperville
- witnesses sexual harassment or confided in
MUST report to principal or guidance counselor
-Principal or counsel or investigates
Conduct yourself in a professional and respectful
manner
Things You Can Do to Help



Use varying genders for examples in class in order
to reduce gender stereotyping and gender bias
Be reflective on your own teaching to make sure you
are not being gender biased—a tape recorder can
help
Be accepting of students, especially LGBT youths;
even one supportive educator can make a huge
difference.
Things You Can Do to Help



Be a part of a Gay/Straight Alliance
Do not tolerate gender-biased or harassing
language/actions
Because of the severe consequences to the accusee,
be sensitive to matters of confidentiality
Scenarios
1.
2.
3.
4.
While your students are lining up for recess you overhear
a student remark to another, “That’s a girl’s lunchbox!”
Rebecca sees Cassie walking down the hall and comments
to another student standing close by that Cassie has
gonorrhea and has infected several boys on the football
team.
While in the hall between classes, John deliberately
brushes up against Lisa touching her breast with his arm as
he walks past, even though there is plenty of room to pass
without touching.
While viewing artwork a student remarks, “That is so gay.”
Teacher Resources


Professional development on gender identity and
sexual orientation
Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs)
Works Cited
Copyright 2003-2012 GLSEN, Inc., the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.
http://www.nea.org/tools/30420.htm
GLSEN, Inc., the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. 2003.
http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/home/index.html
National Education Association. 2002-2012.
http://www.illinoissafeschools.org
Kauchak, Don, and Paul Eggen. Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional. Boston: Pearson, 2009. Print
Slavin, Robert. Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice. Boston: Pearson, 2012. Print.
E. J. Meyer, Gender and Sexual Diversity in Schools, Explorations of Educational Purpose 10, Springer Science+Business
Media B. V. 2010
Heterosexism and Homophobia in the Peer Group. (2007). In Gender and Education: An Encyclopedia. Retrieved from
http://www.credoreference.com/entry/abcge/heterosexism_and_homophobia_in_the_peer_group