Workshops and networking opportunities for educators seeking more inclusive and enriching schools for all students, including LBGTQIA+ students, were offered at the 2025 NJEA Convention. “Standing Up for Transgender and Nonbinary Students” and “Q-riculum LGBTQ+ in the English Classroom,” were among the professional development opportunities.
The Rainbow Connection asked the presenters of these workshops to answer this question: What are you hoping the field of education will evolve toward with regard to supporting queer educators, students and families?
Here are the answers from two of the presenters.
To know who they truly are and be glad
From Carol Watchler
What I long for…
A school/education environment (personal, local and more broadly reaching the whole society) characterized by deep respect and mutual empowerment. Student-centered so that everyone is committed to the mission of striving to affirm and empower every student to know who they truly are and be glad. Community-centered so that each stakeholder knows that they are giving/receiving the maximum possible, in collaboration with one another, to activate that mission and make it sustainable.
Carol Watchler, a lifelong human rights advocate, is the community outreach coordinator of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice in Princeton. An NJREA member, Watcher is a retired physics teacher and internship placement coordinator from South Brunswick High School. NJEA has honored her leadership by naming one of its annual conferences the Carol Watchler LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Conference.
As ubiquitous as having a first name
From Collin Rossi
My utmost hope is that the LGBTQ+ community ceases to be seen as a shocking novelty. That we are as ubiquitous as having a first name. We won’t have to struggle for positive, meaningful representation because it will just be there. I hope that having a picture of my husband and me at our wedding will not be seen as an act courage or defiance. It’s just one more piece of flair that fades into the desk. I hope that I can teach an exciting, engaging and empowering curriculum that mirrors ALL of my students without fearing a parent will see it as an attack on their values.
Collin Rossi is an English teacher at South Brunswick High School and the high school membership chair for the South Brunswick Education Association.
Have an idea for Rainbow Connection?
Do you have an idea for a Rainbow Connection column? Would you like to share strategies that affirm and empower every student to know who they truly are and be glad? Are you finding new and creative ways to implement New Jersey’s LGBT curriculum mandate in your subject area?
We’d love to hear from you. Write to RainbowConnectionNJEA@gmail.com.