How does gender affect the teaching profession?

   

    The simplified definition of gender is the referral to the characteristics of women, men, girls and boys that are socially constructed. This is much different than sex and should be treated as such when it comes to interacting with someone who identifies as something other that. As a teacher we need to respect our students in order for our students to do the same, This starts with who they are and how they choose to identify or represent themselves to us and their peers.

   

   This topic may be seen as very controversial in the sense that many people don't see the significance of referring someone by their chosen name or pronouns. This action not only causes conflict within the person but also to those around them as well. They may not feel respected or even valued enough which is dehumanizing. 

    As educators it is our job to ensure the comfort of each and every one of our students. Although not everyone will agree, nothing less than mutual respect should be tolerated. Everyone deserves to feel safe and able to learn in an environment that allows for conversation to flow, regardless of how uncomfortable they may be. That is why we must be prepared to mediate and respond to these situations calmly, quickly, and effectively to make sure we are listening to every perspective while instilling respect in our classrooms. Although society and social media has turned gender and the use of pronouns into an optional matter, I feel as though we should always make sure that we are respecting one another in this rapidly changing world. We are all human and should be treated as such. We are all learning how to deal with our quick changing society and learning and teaching respect within the teaching profession is the first step in aiding in this process.