The Classroom Closet: When Teachers Can’t Be Themselves

Respectfully borrowing a term from LGBTQ+ culture, the classroom is often a closet for teachers, who do not feel safe to share much (if any) of their authentic human selves in their teaching without facing unjust disciplinary action or community backlash.

Jake & Nathan approach this difficult topic to draw attention to this unspoken requirement of the career path of teaching. We need to talk about the cognitive dissonance of being in a profession that talks a big game about access and equity, while not offering actual protection for inclusion and diversity to individual teachers and administrators.

What does it mean for the future of our profession when some educators can’t both be themselves and continue to teach in their communities? We know that being genuine, offering a personal connection, and building professional working relationships with students makes a powerful positive impact. Why are teachers blamed for “indoctrination” when all they are asking for is safety, acceptance, and professional security?

Starting with a brief overview of the complex history of teaching in American society, we move to take a look at modern legislation that leaves teachers without much recourse for wrongful termination. We offer up some of our own hidden insecurities, even as ultra-privileged, white, male teachers, working within an alternative educational model in California.

This painfully honest episode is not to be missed, especially if you are feeling the pressure to hide parts of yourself from your students and colleagues. We see you. Let’s get into it.

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

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