Canal Winchester High School and WTES, Canal Winchester OH
Research best practices of LQBTQIA+ inclusion and diversity, and celebration of this community in the Netherlands (one of the most progressive and culturally diverse countries on Earth) to explore solutions for helping students, staff, and the school community prepare for our futures as responsible, compassionate citizens.
The most profound experience came from an unexpected encounter. My son is a huge D&D fan, and runs his own campaign. We came across a small "Warhammer" shop in Amersfoort. Warhammer is a roll playing game, and the shop specializes in figures to use in the game. So we went into a shop I never would have went in on my own. The shop's proprietor was a trans man. He and I had an amazing conversation that helped me understand the Dutch trans experience is much different than other queer peoples.
I learned that I am NOT a solo traveler. I enjoyed this trip so much more because my son was there to share it with me. I also enjoyed the parts of the trip such as Pride events, when I was meeting and talking with others, much more than solo trips. Professionally I learned that while most queer people I spoke to in the Netherlands agree that they are living in the most inclusive country on Earth, there is still much work to be one. I believe that that awareness is key to success.
The most important unexpected experience I had was the decision to spend two days in Paris. When planning my tip, I saw that Paris was only a 4 hr train ride away. Being an Art teacher, I couldn't resist the call of all that art! I learned 2 things: 1- I enjoyed the museums in Amsterdam MUCH more. 2- The juxtaposition of how we were welcomed but almost everyone in the Netherlands, vs the disdain we received in Paris, reinforced my thought that empathy is the key to Holland's inclusion success.
1- Continue to build empathy and kindness into every lesson, every day! 2- Work with the HS to create a student and staff art show built around inclusion and equity. This will be near the end of the 2024-25 school year. 3- Share what I've learned with our DICE committee to help build a more inclusive district!
I am working with the HS to create a student and staff art show built around inclusion and equity. This will be near the end of the 2024-25 school year. I will be talking with students and staff about this throughout the school year. There will be a theme such as "Embracing our Differences" or similar. The goal is to gather as much community support as possible to spread the message of inclusion, diversity, and equity! The ultimate goal will be to include all of our schools in future years!
1- Work with the HS to create a student and staff art show built around inclusion and equity. This will be near the end of the 2024-25 school year. Extend this to all schools in future years! 2- Share what I've learned with our DICE committee to help build a more inclusive district! 3- Community support and education surrounding the art show.
