LGBTQ+ students face a unique set of challenges that can put them at risk for negative academic, psychological and physical health outcomes. Schools play a critical role in shaping the experiences of these youth and can provide much-needed support to help these students thrive.

As part of that effort, the Institute for Child Development and Family Relations (ICDFR) at Cal State San Bernardino is partnering with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) to present “LGBTQ+ 101 for Educators,” a two part-webinar that will take place via Zoom.

Both sessions, facilitated by Rachel Cook, the ICDFR Research Fellow and a lecturer in the CSUSB psychology department, will be presented from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 5 and 12. The intended audience for the webinars are K-12 public and charter school counselors, school resource officers, teachers, administrators and mental health providers. Registration is required and can be done online at the SBCSS webpage for the event.

The Oct. 5 session, “School Experiences of LGBTQ+ Students,” will feature a panel of LGBTQ+ alumni of San Bernardino County schools; discuss the statistics, terminology and needs of LGBTQ+ students; and the role of the school environment for these youth.

The Oct. 12 session, “School and District Supports for LGBTQ+ Students,” will focus on the education code and legal requirements; discuss best practices, programs and policies; and go over tips from the Fresno Unified School District to get started.

Webinar attendees will be provided with an introduction to the lives of LGBTQ+ students, including terminology and definitions, needs and risks, and the importance of their school environment. Attendees will also gain concrete strategies for supporting these students, including policies and programs to implement at the school and district levels that improve the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.

In addition to the alumni panel, guest speakers will include SBCSS Chief of Equity and Access Cherina Betters (who earned her Ed.D. in educational leadership from CSUSB) and Erica Hasenbeck, manager of Restorative Practices at the Fresno Unified School District.

For more information on the webinar, contact Veronica Valdepena with the SBCSS at veronica.valdepena@sbcss.net or (909) 386-2636.

Visit the ICDFR website for more information about its programs.

ICDFR and SBCSS event flier