The Puzzle: Blog

Hopefully you've already seen the list of renowned speakers who will be part of the professional development symposium at FORUM/Diversity on January 25 and 26 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel.

(If you haven't, you're going to want to check out this impressive group of school diversity practitioners, educational leaders, and DEI consultants from across the country.)

Now in its fifth year, FORUM/Diversity has grown to support and welcome educators from all underrepresented groups, not just people of color. We believe it's important to host this conference because of the many common themes that unite even the most disparate independent schools: the need for quality teachers and motivated students, the desire to produce students of integrity as well as intellect, and the tension between progress and tradition. Diversity is an ever-important issue for schools and candidates, and it means more than just “race.”

On Saturday of our event, we are pleased to be welcoming Dr. Philip McAdoo for his session entitled “Independent Queers: LGBTQ Educators in Independent Schools Speak Out.” As an educator, activist, and former Broadway actor, Dr. McAdoo has spent his life fighting for the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth, families, and educators. Working to combat discrimination in personal spaces, professional places, and public platforms, Dr. McAdoo has always been passionate about equality for all.

What started as an exploration of LGBTQ teachers in the workplace eventually evolved into his dissertation. “Independent Queers: LGBTQ Educators in Independent Schools Speak Out” is a culmination of his work over the years. Containing over 35 distinguished voices in the space, “Independent Queers” is an ultimately searing exploration—featuring teachers of all grade levels—that will resonate for generations to come.

Queer individuals have always had a presence in education. Despite established heterosexual norms associated with learning, LGBTQ teachers are taking an increasingly visible stance in school settings. In his session at FORUM/Diversity, Dr. McAdoo will explore themes from the lives and experiences of queer teachers featured in his book as he asked them to reflect on the stages of their sexual orientation development and its impact on their identity as teachers. In addition, Dr. McAdoo will be discussing strategies for supporting LGBTQ students, teachers, and staff.

We're also excited to share that Dr. McAdoo's book, which will be available on Amazon and other book outlets in March, will be available for purchase throughout FORUM/Diversity. Whether you grab a copy to skim it ahead of his session on Saturday or pick one up to add to your queue of books at home, be sure to stop by his table!

To purchase a copy of his book now or schedule a reading or book event, visit http://philipmcadoo.com. And be sure to attend his session on Saturday from 9:30-10:45 a.m.!

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