Why should I Be a Beacon?
Research shows that when LGBTQIA+ youth view school personnel as supportive, they feel safer, have fewer absences for safety reasons, report fewer school-related problems, and have higher grades.
Stories & Numbers Strategy 2: School Personnel Support & Training
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Level 1
Topics Covered:
LGBTQIA+ 101
Stopping Bullying & Harassment
Intended For:
All Adults on K-12 Campuses
Prerequisites:
None
Duration:
90 minutes
Level Overview:
Level 1 is designed for all adults on K-12 campuses. It includes LGBTQIA+ 101 and Intervening in Bullying and Harassment Against LGBTQIA+ Students.
Level 2
Topics Covered:
Your Rights as an Educator
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Supporting Students Who Come Out
Intended For:
Teachers
Librarians
Counselors
Administrators
Prerequisites:
Level 1
Duration:
3 hours & 15 minutes
Level Overview:
Level 2 is designed for teachers, librarians, counselors, and administrators, but is open to anyone who has successfully completed Level 1. It includes Know Your Rights, Navigating Difficult Conversations with Parents and Other Adults, and Supporting a Student Who Comes Out to You.
Level 3
Topics Covered:
Creating Inclusive Curriculum
Allyship Off-Campus
Intended For:
Teachers
Librarians
Prerequisites:
Level 1 & Level 2
Duration:
3 hours & 45 minutes
Level Overview:
Level 3 is designed for teachers and librarians but is open to anyone who has successfully completed Levels 1 and 2. It includes Integrating Intersectional Queer Content into Curriculum and Spreading Allyship Off-Campus.
I’m very excited to see Be a Beacon becoming available in our community.
In the last decade, a growing body of research has confirmed that one of the strongest protective factors for LGBTQIA+ students is having supportive school personnel, and also that professional development plays a significant role in preparing teachers to support LGBTQIA+ and all students.
Dr. Stephen Russell
Director of the School of Human Ecology and Chair of the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin
