Have you ever pondered what it takes to live authentically while being a queer educator? Revealing her personal journey, our guest Andrea "Fitz" Fitzgerald (she/her), a lesbian math coach from Memphis, Tennessee, provides us with an intimate understanding of such a life. Andrea's journey, filled with the struggle for authenticity and the constant battle against biases, uncovers a remarkable tale of resilience and courage. Her unique perspective as a queer teacher will undoubtedly resonate with educators who aim to better understand and support their students.
Imagine a high school atmosphere that not only embraces diversity but also intentionally nurtures it. Andrea brings to light her experience in an affirmative educational environment, emphasizing the role of deliberate hiring and a culture of acceptance. She shares her thoughts on using business books in teaching programs and even provides us a sneak peek into her own book, "The Ricky's Playbook for New Teachers." Her mission to build confidence and self-efficacy creates a rich bed of discussion that every listener can learn and grow from.
But the conversation doesn't stop there. We delve into the criticality of making our schools safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ students and the profound difference it can make. Andrea underlines the need for living out core values in classrooms and the significance of educator training. She also candidly shares the unique challenges faced by queer educators, including the decision to come out in the classroom and the pressure of representing an entire community. Join us for an enlightening, candid conversation that promises to be filled with honesty, authenticity, and valuable insights into the life and experiences of a queer teacher.
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