Pronouns Are Pedagogy: Queer-Affirming Teaching for Beginners

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Pronouns aren’t just a grammatical formality; they are a profound way of respecting and affirming students’ identities. Pronouns Are Pedagogy explores why these language choices—and broader gender-inclusive practices—are crucial for creating classrooms where every learner feels seen and valued. Designed for educators who want to move beyond basic “he/him” or “she/her” introductions, this workshop offers practical strategies and cultural insights to ensure queerness is recognized as a part of everyday teaching. Participants will discover how fostering inclusive language fosters stronger connections, reduces harm, and celebrates the full breadth of student experiences.

Pronouns aren’t just a grammatical formality; they are a profound way of respecting and affirming students’ identities. Pronouns Are Pedagogy explores why these language choices—and broader gender-inclusive practices—are crucial for creating classrooms where every learner feels seen and valued. Designed for educators who want to move beyond basic “he/him” or “she/her” introductions, this workshop offers practical strategies and cultural insights to ensure queerness is recognized as a part of everyday teaching. Participants will discover how fostering inclusive language fosters stronger connections, reduces harm, and celebrates the full breadth of student experiences.

Key Focus Areas

  1. Understanding Pronouns & Identity

    • Delve into the relationship between pronouns, gender expression, and the classroom dynamics that can either empower or marginalize students.

  2. Implementing Gender-Inclusive Practices

    • Explore classroom routines—like self-introductions, rosters, and discussion guidelines—that affirm students across the gender spectrum.

  3. Building an Ongoing Queer-Affirming Culture

    • Learn how to integrate queer-positive language, curriculum examples, and community resources into everyday teaching, rather than framing them as “add-ons.”

Who Should Attend

  • K–12 Teachers & Classroom Aides
    Seeking to cultivate safe, empowering spaces for students of all genders and expressions.

  • College Instructors & Adjunct Faculty
    Looking to adapt inclusive language practices in higher education settings where diverse identities are present.

  • Instructional Coaches & Curriculum Developers
    Interested in embedding queer-affirming principles into broader pedagogical approaches and materials.

  • DEI & School Administrators
    Wanting to support faculty professional development on inclusive language and queer student advocacy.

Learning Objectives

  1. Pronoun Best Practices

    • Learn respectful, proactive ways to handle pronoun introductions, name changes, and mistakes in a manner that minimizes harm.

  2. Inclusive Language Across Subjects

    • Gain specific examples of how to adapt lesson content, group work, and class discussions to reduce gender-based assumptions.

  3. Sustaining Queer-Affirming Environments

    • Develop frameworks for continuous growth—including staff training, policy reviews, and community engagement—to ensure students feel welcomed year-round.

Why It Matters

When educators embrace gender-inclusive language, they affirm the identities of every student—especially those who don’t see themselves reflected in a traditional binary. By understanding pronouns as more than a grammar rule, teachers validate the lived experiences of queer, trans, and nonbinary students, helping to reduce harm and foster belonging. This inclusive approach not only improves classroom climates but also signals to the wider community that respect for diverse identities is essential to meaningful learning.

Is This Workshop for You?

  • Feeling unsure about how to properly ask for and use students’ pronouns?
    We’ll share user-friendly tips on initiating conversations, handling errors gracefully, and normalizing pronoun sharing.

  • Noticing that some students might be reluctant to speak up about their gender identity or pronouns?
    Learn strategies for creating safer, low-pressure environments where students can share authentically.

  • Wanting to ensure your syllabus, assignments, and class discussions reflect a range of gender expressions?
    We’ll explore inclusive curriculum design and day-to-day language that affirms all identities.

  • Seeking allies in your school or district who value queer-affirming practices?
    Connect with like-minded educators and discover collaboration ideas for broader institutional change.

If you identify with these questions, Pronouns Are Pedagogy: Queer-Affirming Teaching for Beginners provides the foundational knowledge and concrete strategies you need to confidently foster gender-inclusive learning spaces.

Pricing & Access

  • Contact for Custom Quote

  • Sliding Scale & Scholarships
    Available for under-resourced schools, nonprofits, and community-led groups dedicated to inclusive education.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re prepared to move beyond surface-level acknowledgments of pronouns and truly integrate queer-affirming pedagogy, reach out to schedule Pronouns Are Pedagogy: Queer-Affirming Teaching for Beginners. Let’s celebrate all students’ identities and empower them to learn, grow, and thrive in classroom environments that respect their full humanity.