ABSTRACT
What does it mean to step up as a teacher? What does it mean to step up for sexual and gender diversity? And, central to our work and the focus of this book, what does it mean to be a teacher who steps up in these ways in schools? The first question may seem easy. To many, to step up simply means to take action when they see a need or opportunity or when they are committed to a particular value. For many teachers, this is simply the act of teaching. Teachers act to support students in learning academic knowledge and skills. Occasionally, opportunities arise to teach in response to a student’s question or something that happens unexpectedly. These “teachable moments” present opportunities to act educatively. But what about stepping up for social change by taking action for sexual and gender diversity? What about doing this work in schools, classrooms, and lessons? Is this part of teaching? And can you, as readers, imagine such work becoming a part, or a greater part, of your own teaching?
