Review of Professional Resource

Hermann-Wilmarth, Jill. "Full Inclusion: Understanding the Role of Gay and Lesbian Texts and Films in Teacher Education Classrooms." Language Arts 84 (2006): 347-56.

In this article, insider to the LGBTQ community, Jill Hermann-Wilmarth discusses the adversity this community has faced and how teachers can help their students accept this non-traditional lifestyle. The first section of the article is titled, “Stumbling Blocks.” Within this section Hermann-Wilmarth discusses how both literature and public and private institutions have restrained information about the LGBTQ community to the public. In regards to literature she explains, “Unfortunately, books that address these issues are not readily available to elementary school students. In part, this is because so few exist, but it is also because few teachers know about the books that are available (1).” She also explains that it is easier to not have this type of book in the classroom, because they can spark confrontations. In regards to institutions she states, “many state and city governmental entities, charged with upholding equity and justice, continue to support book censorship (2).” But because of these factors resisting the inclusion of the LGBTQ community, teachers need to educated about this topic and know how to select quality pieces of literature. Examples of teachers rejecting LGBTQ themed books are found because they want their young students to remain “innocent.” Next Hermann-Wilmarth lists resources for teachers to become more educated in this field, both in the form of books and films. And finally before the conclusion there is a summary of well written LGBTQ children’s books. To conclude she states, “texts have power in classrooms (11).” She says that after teachers can accept LGBTQ books, they will also be able to integrate these issues in their classroom which can only lead to inclusively.

The reason why I chose Herman-Wilmarth’s article was because she was directly speaking to the teachers, in particular pre-service teachers. I was able to learn new issues concerning LGBTQ texts in the classroom. She indirectly states that teachers will make the difference whether or not there is inclusively in their classroom, and because “texts have power” they will be help educate. Herman-Wilmarth provides plenty of resources for teachers, that I could actually see myself purchasing and utilizing. This article is a great guide for pre-service or full time teachers that want to include LGBTQ books within their classroom but don’t know where to begin.