Despite what the social media trolls might think, I am a teacher at the top of my game. 11 years’ experience in a variety of classroom contexts and a well-documented portfolio of classroom success as well as driving school change. It has earned me recognition from colleagues, praise from parents and students and respect from principals. However, the decision to move on and look for a different environment has an added layer of anxiety these days as not only do perspective employers have to recognise my teaching attributes but also be willing to take on the possible complications of a trans member of staff.

It shouldn’t matter

Of course, it shouldn’t matter, like with everything it should always be the best person with the right qualifications and experience for the job. Yet, we all know the reality of job hunting, especially when it comes down to interviews. How we present, domineer, clothes and in some cases, background, influence people. Otherwise, why would people bother wearing a suit? As a trans woman, this element of the interview has a whole deeper layer of emphasis since we are often already sensitive and anxious of our presentation. Now we are sitting there wondering if we pass or come across suitably feminine. In teaching, this is perhaps even more important as we know the perspective employers are mentally trying to place us in front of students.

Having been on the other side of an interview nearly a dozen times or so, this mental picture and personality test always forms part of deliberations. This would never be publicly acknowledged or shared with candidates, but an applicant’s ability to connect with students is a huge factor in the final decision. Anyone who seems a little unapproachable, out of touch, or potentially a little odd might lose out, especially if there are plenty of other options. Having been told once that I came off as too nerdy and it was one of the reasons the panel thought I wasn’t the right candidate, it is a real hit to a person’s confidence after all our personality isn’t really going to be something we can change the next time around.

As a trans person, this goes beyond presentation or even personality as the school will consider the potential for discrimination. This means that they need to be confident in their school community for discrimination to be limited to a manageable level and their ability to deal with these situations. After all, in Australia, if employers are unable to protect staff and fail to provide an inclusive environment, they are liable. Because of this, if they have doubts, it is often safer to avoid potential complication. In some ways a school is a little different as they also need to build an inclusive environment for students, which might be assisted through a broader representation of diversity in the staffroom. However, going into a job interview, it’s impossible to know how the school may look specifically at bringing on board a trans teacher. In all likelyhood until the interview they may not have given it much consideration. Through my own experence securing a new job for 2024 the HR managager for my new school came at this dilema directly by asking questions about dealing with discrimination and the kind of support the school could offer.

Ignoring the anti trans hysteria

Unfortunately, dealing with discrimination within the school community is just the tip of the iceburg sometimes in the current climate of right-wing fear mongering. This paranoid and ridiculous accuastion of a ‘woke’ agenda and ‘transing’ kids or turning them ‘gay’ is blasted over social media, Skynews, and the Herald Sun. Added to this the extreme transphobia out in the community that will label us as ‘groomers’ and ‘pediphiles’ as a means to spread fear and hatred, it can be a very toxic climate. I only need to look at comments on my own social media feeds to know the extent of this hate, having been the victim of some pretty vile abuse.

Considering the publistiy of this sort of hate and blatant fear mongering especailly after events in Melbourne earlier in the year and the almost weekly efforts of certain politcal commentators, schools will be aware of the potential political fallout of any high-profile appointments. After all, most schools will have an active social media presence, HR team and for the government sector the Department of Education monitors any activity that might relate to schools. Realistically, all it takes is a couple of parents to make enough noise and attract those anti trans voices in the media, and it becomes a storm of hate, misinformation, and sensationalism. Schools know this. There has been enough recuring nonsense articale about students identifying as cats and school litter trays to prove that these ‘journislts’ will roll out complete nonsense with no evidence except unattrributed hearsay if they believe it is going to serve thier anti-trans agenda.

A sign of acceptance

In this context, it would be in soo many ways understandable that schools might take the easy or safer option. However, in an increasingly demanding industry with an ongoing teacher shortage, schools can’t let talented teachers go without greater consideration. Afterall, these institutions care about public imagine and while employing a trans member of staff will know doubt unsettle some others will see it as a sign of the schools diversity and acceptance of the LGBTQIA plus community. In this way we can become an advantage for schools depending on their despired image. This might just the oppertunity a school needs to demonstrate their willingness to take on these challenges, to support both students and staff to develop their culture. In this case it might seem like we are being used but realistically what it shows is that a school cares more about creating a diverse and inclusive envrionment than giving into conservative or media pressure. As a trans teacher this is what we want to help create this positive space for the next generation.

However, the number one means of promption for schools is always going to be results and the outcomes for students whether in standardised testing like NAPLAN or ATAR scores at the end of year 12. So while political agendas can no doubt come into play, as will the potential issues with dealing with discrimination a job offer despite all this external noise a powerful validation as a professional. It is a sign that despite all the baggage and complication that an employer sees something worth it all in your credentials and experience. It is a vote of confidence that despite the headaches, they see a potential in you to make a lasting positive contribution to the school.

Looking ahead

We all know that getting a new job is only the first hurdle. It quickly becomes about building relationships with colleagues and students as well as fulfilling that potential. This is my challenge for 2024, starting at a new school. However, I have a proven knack for connecting with people and a drive to prove myself. The situation is perfect for me to excel at now that I land at a school that has clearly signalled its acceptance through choice.

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Read more about my expereinces and taking control of the narrative or the importance of a supportive teacher for trans youth.