Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments - by Emily S Fisher & Karen Komosa-Hawkins

About the Book

Drawing on the expertise of researchers and practitioners, Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments provides a comprehensive examination of the topics most relevant for school professionals.

Book Synopsis

The importance of creating safe spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students in the school environment cannot be overstated. It is one of the most prominent issues facing school professionals today, and its success has lasting, positive effects on the entire student body. Drawing on the expertise of researchers and practitioners, Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments provides a comprehensive examination of the topics most relevant for school professionals. The first section lays out the theoretical foundation and background school professionals need to understand the social and political trends that impact LGBTQ individuals, the development of sexual orientation and gender identity, risk and resilience factors, and the intersection of LGBTQ identity with other aspects of diversity. The second section explores topics critical for the development of safe, supportive school environments, including understanding legal and ethical mandates, training school personnel, addressing bullying and harassment, and developing inclusive classrooms. Special topics related to counseling LGBTQ students, supporting families of LGBTQ students, becoming an ally and advocate in the schools, and connecting with community resources are also covered.

CE credit is available to purchasers of this book at www.mensanapublications.com.

Review Quotes

""Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments" provides much-needed practical advice for working with LGBTQ youth and families. The editors and authors contribute extensive expertise in developing this timely and comprehensive resource for education professionals. The chapters addressing legal and ethical mandates, prevention, and intervention strategies provide essential information for professional development and school level reforms to support LGBTQ youth. Professionals, faculty, and students will benefit from reading this important book."

Shane R. Jimerson, PhD, professor of counseling, clinical, and school psychology at the University of California Santa Barbara

"This is an engrossing, readable, insightful, and eminently practical book. As more and more LGBTQQI students and their families are open in the presentation of their lives to and participation in their local schools, those school administrators, teachers, counselors, and staff have an even higher responsibility to ensure they are welcome and treated with respect. "Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments" should be required reading for anyone working in the K-12 schools."

Mark Pope, EdD, professor and chair, department of counseling and family therapy, College of Education, University of Missouri Saint Louis

"Fisher and Komosa-Hawkins provide a remarkable opportunity for readers to engage with leading scholars and practitioners in the field on a broad range of topics, each of which is critical in guiding efforts to improve the school experiences of LGBTQ students."

Eliza Byard, PhD, executive director, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

"School-based professionals should have the capacity and commitment to fully and meaningfully support LGBTQ students and their families. This important volume bridges practice and research, providing accessible, relevant, and timely guidance and resources. By addressing key research-based conditionso

About the Author

Emily S. Fisher, PhD, is an associate professor in the school psychology program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.

Karen Komosa-Hawkins, PhD, is an assistant professor in the counseling program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.