Yes we've heard

I had dinner last night with my partner, my sister and her partner. My sister's partner's ex was in the education industry. She was a school teacher. My sister's partner is now has a lot of friends still teaching or involved in the education industry. (I hope you're keeping up and I haven't confused you).

We were having dinner and I asked my sister if I'd told her the story of how I met my students. She said no. I began to tell her how I met my students last year and what happened. I also filled her in on what's been happening over the last few days.

She had a strange look on her face. The kind of look you have when you've done something and your trying to hide it from your parent.

She said to me "Yes we've heard about what happened".

The rumour mill has definitely been working here in my regional town.

Once I'd explained that one of my students knew me and my partner she understood how it happened. The rumour she and her partner had heard was that I introduced myself at the meet and greet and told the class I was gay.

I wonder if that's what many people think?

My principal came in to my room no less than 4 times the first day of school. On one visit she was smiling and amazed at the technology I had used to engage my students. I am hoping that I become an excellent teacher and the fact that I'm gay becomes insignificant.

The student that pushed herself back under the desk at the meet and greet last year has been one of my more engaged students. She is asking for jobs and helping. We are building a very positive relationship as I am with the rest of the students.

The question came up during class last week "Are you single Sir?". We were completing a task. I explained that this task had nothing to do with my personal life and we need to get back on task. There was no need for any other comment. The class were happy with this answer...for now.

One more talk before we begin

The first three days of school were PD. A good start and a good way to get to know other staff members.
My section leader met me with a strange look. Maybe it was just me feeling vulnerable. He just seemed to be uncomfortable when he met me this year.

It didn't take long for him to feel comfortable and was supportive.

Over the 3 days of PD everything seemed to go well. All staff were very supportive and offering a lot of advice.

Around a half an hour before Thursday finished. Joy, the Principal came to visit me in my room.

"Now Richard you know how I called you at the end of last year regarding that matter."

I should have let her say it. She couldn't.

I replied with 'You mean the fact that one of the students knew I was in a same-sex relationship?"

"Yes that's it."

Joy finished by asking me if I had a plan if that came up again when the students began.

I explained to Joy that I felt like I regretted telling the students anything about my personal life. I felt like I should have kept my mouth shut. But then I realised from my research in to other teachers experience that you are best to be truthful about your life and not make big deal about it. I told her I would send her links to the Department's support for same-sex attracted teachers and there was some useful information there for her if she needed it.

She explained that "the students were best not to know about my 'situation' because really they are just 10 and 11 years old and we do have a lot of different cultures in the school".

She wanted to make sure I was ready with an answer to give me students in case the question of 'are you in a relationship Sir? comes up again.

I told Joy I would tell them about my partner but give them no more personal information that what was needed.

My partner was very angry when I told him Joy spoke with me again. He said if she speaks with me again in regards to this I should ask "Is there a problem here?". When she answers "No there is no problem". I need to ask why we are discussing this again.

Time changes the way you think

Its amazing how you can sort things through in your mind after allow some time to pass by. I have been speaking to many people about my situation and they have been very supportive. My partner has been excellent with support. He gives me a chance to talk things over and also to discuss all kinds of scenarios.

The research I'be been doing on support for same sex attracted teachers has been pretty good. Initially I couldn't find a lot of stuff within Australia. I found a very interesting video out of the UK.

http://www.teachers.tv/videos/gay-teachers

This video helped me to realise that it is not a big deal to have a same sex attracted teacher. For me if I keep it 'not a big deal' then the students will respond with 'its not a big deal'.

I have also checked out the Department of Education website. There are some wonderful scenarios on the Departments website regarding situations that same sex attracted teachers may find themselves in.

Thanks to franklymydear. Tiffany has supplied the Department document which supports same sex attracted teachers.

http://www.safeschoolscoalitionvictoria.org.au/sites/default/files/Same-sex_Attracted_Employees_0.pdf 




This is wonderful reading. Your realise there is good support for us out there for us. 


My plan for the next few days is to have a chat with the Principal. I think it would be good for her to have a read of the Departments support for same sex attracted employees. The document also gives her and us responses for teachers, parents and students in relation to having a same sex attracted teacher.


At this time I'm more excited about the actual teaching than anything else. I've promised myself to have fun this year. I think I can do that with my grade 6 class.

I begin at the school next Tuesday. My students begin on Friday next week.