Mallory Voris

Mallory Voris will begin this project with a pre-survey of teachers’ familiarity with LGBTQ+ terminology and knowledge of creating an inclusive, equitable and safe space for all students within in the elementary classroom setting. Grant funds will provide for professional development from the Director of the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center at the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus. This professional development will focus on areas of need identified in the pre-survey as well as terminology related to LGBTQ+ identities, developing allyhood, and how to create an inclusive learning environment for both staff and students. Structured discussions during staff meetings will take place around inclusivity and representation within the school and classroom. Funds will also be used to purchase copies of Reading the Rainbow: LGBTQ-Inclusive Literacy in the Elementary Classroom for each classroom teacher and to purchase age-appropriate books for each classroom. At the year’s end, teachers will take a post-survey of LGBTQ+ terminology and inclusivity to measure the effectiveness of the professional learning and identify needs for continued growth.