A conversation with the LGBTQ+ Coordinator at Santa Clara County Office of Education
Hello readers, I had the pleasure to virtually meet and chat with Aries (He/They), the Coordinator of LGBTQ+ District Resource and Support at Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE). Created in 2022, this program was made under the direction of Dr. Mary Ann Dewan- Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools- to help Santa Clara County (or the "County") schools navigate all things LGBTQ+ for students, families, teachers, staff, and administration. The interview highlights Aries' journey as an educator, current work, and future events!
Danny: Hi Aries, thank you for meeting with me. So, I know you are the Coordinator of LGBTQ+ District Resource and Support at SCCOE, what does your position entail?
Aries: Hello Danny, thank you for inviting me! My job entails working across the 32 school districts and charter schools in the County. We are the first Office of Education to have a program, and position, that is LGBTQ+ focused- which is much needed. Especially now, as a lot of Ed. Codes and Assembly Bills are passing that center around LGBTQ youth, protections of LGBTQ educators, and LGBTQ curriculum. There is a huge need in our schools to understand how to effectively navigate and incorporate the new policies into our classrooms. Ultimately, this position supports our teachers, families and students.
Danny: Yes, there is definitely a need for greater support for LGBTQ youth, especially at schools. I would like to take the time to acknowledge the amazing work you are doing as the sole LGBTQ coordinator at SCCOE. It feels like a lot of responsibility for just one person?
Aries: Well, it's been so great to have your Office be such a great partner in this work. Like when we collaborated on the "All gender Restroom" presentation for schools to understand the new policy and connect to support or resources. I think this position, while it was one of the first in the State, was strategically implemented in a county that has a plethora of resources and support available.
Danny: I agree, such as the QCorner, and the ColleQTive
Aries: Yes, and the Youth Space, Billy De Frank Center- There's many more!
Danny: Shifting gears now… Can you talk about your professional background and how it has shaped the initiatives you’ve developed to support teachers and students?
Aries: Before this position, I was a high school mathematics teacher. I taught 9th through 12th grade and was also the GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) club advisor. I was even awarded Teacher of the Year in 2016 for my county! After being a teacher for 10 years, I have first-hand experience knowing how difficult it was to balance being a teacher while finding ways to support your students- especially those students that look to you for support.
When I came into this position, I knew right away that I wanted to establish a network for educators, like me, to get access to resources and collaborate with fellow teachers. I created the GSA Advisor Network Call (later referred to as "network call") for teachers to have access to resources, networking, and collaborate and help each other and the youth they serve. The teachers have the opportunity to select the topic discussed during the network call, such as hot topics or best practices. The network call is something I wish I had when I was an educator.
Danny: And we really appreciate you taking on this meaningful work to connect the GSA advisors to resources. This month (September) will be the 3rd meeting of the network call! How do you envision the network call developing in its first year?
Aries: For the future, I envision the educators to be more involved with the network call. I want the educators to find opportunities to cross-collaborate. I'm hearing of potential queer proms that are planned across schools, youth conferences, and supplies that can be used and shared across the county. Additionally, there is a lot of troubleshooting. Educators are asking for help with navigating difficult conversations with schools, families and administration. They are asking questions like, "How do you go about recruitment?" "How do you create a safe space?" The network call allows teachers to share their knowledge among their colleagues across schools and districts.
Danny: It sounds like you've created a safe space for educators to talk about their grievances, but also to empower and celebrate their wins and achievements. Now, I heard that there will be a celebration in October, held by your office, the LGBTQ+ History Month Showcase! Can you tell me more about it?
Aries: Yes! The LGBTQ+ History Month Showcase is to kick-off the LGBTQ+ History month, which starts in October. The showcase honors the County's districts and schools that are doing the amazing work to support LGBTQ students and educators. The districts being recognized are those doing policy changes that affirm their transgender and gender-expansive students, actively implementing inclusive curriculum in history, literacy and health courses, and go above and beyond to make sure the facilities are aligned with the Ed. Codes and make students feel included in the process. These schools are very dedicated to making schools LGBTQ+ inclusive and we want to recognize those efforts! The showcase is also an opportunity for other school districts to see what is possible and learn from the school districts that are spearheading LGBTQ+ inclusivity in schools.
Danny: The LGBTQ+ History Month Showcase seems to be multidimensional. We are celebrating, educating, and connecting- it's almost like an extension of the network call. The showcase represents our County's achievements and celebrates them too! So, why do you think it is important for our community to come out and celebrate?
Aries: Our County- as whole- is really at the forefront of LGBTQ+ inclusion and affirmation, but being in the front includes a lot of growing pains. For example, when we are developing a program or policy, we don’t know where or who to look at. In fact, other counties and school districts are looking up to us, in terms of initiatives they can replicate. So, the reason to celebrate is because a lot of our school districts are doing something that hasn’t been done before- programming, projects and initiatives for the LGBTQ+ youth! For that to be recognized and celebrated is a powerful and affirming thing for them. And what's more, people from other counties- Napa, Sonoma, Central Valley- are able to learn from our County's progress.
Danny: I agree that we are leading this discussion of LGBTQ+ inclusion and affirmation, same with Los Angeles and San Francisco. We are showing people that it is possible, we have the resources, and we can help support you--
Aries: Yes! And Ken Yeager- a former county supervisor, LGBTQ+ activist, and author- will be the keynote speaker at the LGBTQ+ History Month Showcase. He was the keynote last year and graciously accepted to speak this year! He provides knowledge on historical context as to why our County is at the forefront of LGBTQ+ representation, and a lot of it is due to his work when he was in an elected position. He really energizes our school districts to continue the work and continue his legacy.
Danny: Well, sign me up! I wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to be inspired! Is there anything else we should be excited for?
Aries: There will also be a resource fair! LGBTQ+ service providers and other LGBTQ organizations will be there to connect teachers to resources. And we hope to bring another LGBTQ+ speaker, so stayed tuned for more…
Danny: Aries, thank you so much for talking with me today. I got to learn more about you and I am eager to find out what the future holds for the GSA Advisor Network Call and your other projects! I will see you at the LGBTQ+ History Month Showcase!
Aries: See you there!
If you are a GSA Advisor or want to become a GSA advisor for your school, please contact Aries or sign up using this link: https://sccoe.to/GSA24