For Teachers
LGBTQ Professional Development (PD)
Professional development is available as needed to district and site staff on policy, programming and strategies to support all students and families including those who are, or perceived to be, LGBTQ. PD topics generally include a review of basic terms & definitions, OUSD policies & state laws that support queer youth/staff, and best practices (including the importance and impact of GSAs and rainbow clubs) for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
If interested in an Elementary, Middle or High School LGBTQ PD, please make a request to your school site administrator.
Digital Rainbow Reads Collection on Sora
OUSD classroom teachers and students can access Sora through sorapp.com on any browser, the Sora app on a phone or tablet, or through the Sora link in Clever (elementary). Sign in with your OUSD username and password.
[Note: If you are unable to log in, submit a ticket to the help desk requesting "Clever access to log in to Sora". It usually takes about a day to get access.]
Please contact Ilsa Bertolini for additional information about lesson plans on gender, pronouns and related topics.
LGBTQ and Rainbow Club Liaisons
Are you, or do you know someone who might be interested in becoming an LGBTQ or Rainbow Club liaison? Contact ilsa.bertolini@ousd.com to learn more.
OUT for Safe Schools Badge
An important component to ensuring students and families feel welcome at their school and in OUSD is the ability to identify individuals who are committed to being an ally. OUSD is proud to be one of nine major districts in the country that are part of a national program called OUT for Safe Schools—which seeks to identify safe spaces and adult allies on campus. Click here for more on the history of the program. School personnel and staff can voluntarily wear the badge to signify to students they are an ally and are LGBTQ ambassadors at their school site.
An ally might stand up for an LGBTQ individual, speak out against hurtful language, or proactively work to ensure school climate policies and practices are safe and inclusive for LGBTQ individuals.
We offer OUT badges to every site that signs up for an LGBTQ inclusive PD. For more information about OUSD LGBTQ programs or requests for assistance, contact Ilsa Bertolini.
