Supporting Transgender Students, Second Edition: Understanding Gender Identity and Reshaping School Culture

"This book belongs in all library collections supporting the study of education at all levels. Strongly recommended." --Library Journal Supporting Transgender Students is a roadmap to what gender is and why gender inclusivity matters in education, a resource for teachers, administrators, and families alike. Drawing on the author's nearly three decades of working with schools to create more gender-expansive environments for students, this book considers how to equitably handle gender in the classroom, on the playing field, and more. Now in a fully updated second edition, this is the clear, practical path to advocacy that your school has been looking for, complete with accessible, actionable suggestions for change. So, sharpen your pencils: it's time to learn how to cultivate communities that encourage all our students to thrive.

About the Author :
Alex Myers is an award-winning author, teacher, and speaker. The first openly transgender student at Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard University, Alex began working as an advocate for transgender rights in 1995. Since then, Alex has published three novels, Revolutionary, Continental Divide, and The Story of Silence, as well as dozens of essays on gender identity. Alex consults with schools across the country and around the world on the topic of transgender identity and gender inclusion and is now the Director at The Mountain School of Milton Academy. He lives in Vermont with his wife and two cats.

Review :
"Required reading. Supporting Transgender Students and work with Alex through the years has transformed the landscape of school culture and care at our school, including but not limited to the launch of our first all gender dorm. Weaving together personal experience, a long career in education and advocacy, and insights from psychology, sociology and civic policy, Alex offers a beautifully expressed compass for understanding gender identity and reshaping school culture." -- Sepideah Mohsenian-Rahman, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, The Thacher School "Alex Myers offers a clear, ethical framework for thinking about gender inclusivity in schools, as well as practical advice for starting that important work. Supporting Transgender Students is an essential resource for administrators, teachers, and coaches who want to build more inclusive spaces and systems for all students." -- Katie Henderson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programming and Support, The Rivers School "Alex Myers has helped staff, students, and families better understand gender identity through his writing, providing high-quality professional development and facilitating hard conversations. Alex has also shared helpful recommendations and guidance for school leaders and teachers on improving school communities to be more inclusive for all students. He willingly shares his rich professional and personal experiences, which helps create judgment-free spaces where people feel safe to engage actively in dialogue and meaningful learning opportunities. Alex is incredibly knowledgeable, empathetic, and kind; he is an inspiring author, educator, and leader, continuously supporting people to make positive change." -- Shanna Crofton, Director of Teaching & Learning, Yarmouth School Department "Having worked with Alex at two different schools to speak with students, faculty/staff, and board members, I can safely say that there is no one better to offer clarity and wisdom to school communities who strive to treat every student with dignity and respect and to be places of belonging and inclusion. Both by sharing his own powerful story and offering practical suggestions related to gender equity, Alex provides schools with important advice about how to shift school culture and systems to support all students." -- Andy Chappell, Head of School, The Derryfield School