Creating LGBTQAI+ Inclusive Classrooms - Wisconsin Education Association Council

Saturday, March 21, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Prairie Ridge Early Learning Center, 3030 Epiphany Lane, Eau Claire.

Registration form below.

Join educators committed to building truly inclusive learning environments where LGBTQAI+ youth and their peers thrive.

What We’ll Cover

Understanding gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation across developmental stages
Using inclusive language, chosen names, and pronouns with confidence
Interrupting heteronormativity and cisnormativity in classroom practices
Supporting trans and nonbinary students through policy and practice
Responding to challenging questions from students and families
Creating anti-bias curricula that centers queer and trans narratives
Building classroom libraries that reflect LGBTQAI+ experiences
Addressing bullying, microaggressions, and systemic barriers

Complimentary lunch included. Open to all WEAC members and educational professionals.

About the Presenter

Melissa Tempel(she/her) has been a licensed teacher since 2000. She is a National Board Certified Teacher(2017) with a Masters in Cultural Foundations of Education(2004).

Melissa has received the following awards:

Diverse & Resilient: Acceptance Journeys Award, 2015, American Library Association: Stonewall Honor Award, 2017, GSAFE: Teacher of the Year, 2019, Stonewall Chorale of NYC: Honorary Member, 2023, GSAFE: Expect My Resistance Award, 2023

WEA Academy: Creating Affirming Classrooms: LGBTQAI+ Inclusive Teaching Workshop

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Queer and trans youth deserve more than safe spaces—they deserve classrooms where they thrive. When we center the most marginalized students, we create better learning environments for everyone.