The Teacher's Forum
Welcome to The Teacher's Forum, hosted by David Harris, a veteran educator with 33 years of experience in private, public, and charter schools.
The Teacher's Forum explores the people, ideas, and issues shaping education and the world around us. Through conversations with educators, authors, researchers, students, and other thought leaders from across the United States and around the globe, we share diverse perspectives, inspiring stories, and practical insights that inform, challenge, and inspire.
Whether you're an educator, a student, or simply someone who loves learning, there's a place for you in the conversation.
Visit theteachersforum.org, follow @theforum1993 on X, connect with David on Threads and Instagram @dwharris1691, or email david@theteachersforum.org with your thoughts, episode ideas, or if you'd like to be a guest on the show.
The Teacher's Forum
Teaching While Queer: Bryan Stanton on Pride, Education, and Belonging
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Bryan Stanton joins The Teacher’s Forum for a special Pride Month conversation about education, identity, advocacy, and belonging. An award-winning theater educator and founder of Teaching While Queer, Bryan reflects on his journey from being outed as a teenager to becoming a national voice for LGBTQ+ educators and students.
Bryan shares the experiences that shaped his commitment to creating inclusive schools, discusses the challenges facing queer educators in today's political climate, and explains how theater can help students develop empathy and a deeper understanding of others. David and Bryan also explore resilience, representation, student advocacy, and the importance of finding community in difficult times.
The episode concludes with a hopeful reflection on what today's students can teach us about authenticity, acceptance, and the future. This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about courage, education, and the power of being seen.
Topics discussed:
• Bryan's journey into education and theater
• Being outed as a teenager and finding community
• Challenges facing LGBTQ+ educators
• Theater, empathy, and student belonging
• Hope for the next generation
Join the Conversation:
- david@theteachersforum.org
- @theteachersforum.bsky.social
- X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993
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