Quote from: Elissa on September 23, 2006, 07:45:53 PM
Well, after much soul searching and being stonewalled from becoming a medical provider, regardless of TS status, I have figured out what i'm aiming for in the next 4 years. I'm going to be a teacher. 
...Just don't ask me how i'm going to get there in the end. 
According to all the people I talked to, as long as I don't preach TS'im to kids, I should have no trouble teaching. Even a elimentary princible said it would not be a problem, or shouldn't be. Especially with me looking very different in four years.
But what are anyone's experiences on this issue? I know the official line is yes, but I also know what is law and what is practiced are two very different things.
Elissa,
Becomming a teacher is a wonderful goal! Every child becomes your note-in-a-bottle, and you do your very best to make sure it's a good note!
The reality is tht being transgendered will have an impact on your teaching career. How much of an impact depends on where you live.
In many districts, there is no need to show cause for termination if you are untenured. At the end of the school year, they can easily say thank you and have a nice life somewhere else. If you are untenured and parents raise a ruckas about you being TG/TS, you may be out of luck. Depends on the union and state laws.
Assuming you reside here in the US, the Southern states should be avoided. If you look at the laws protecting the LGBT community, you will see why I say that. Plus, at the risk of starting a controversy, many fundamentalist churches will want to tar and feather you if they learn you are TG or TS.
I would head North. Vermont has excellent protection for the LGBT community. NY is good for the LGB community. A recent ruling by a NY State Supreme Court judge says the LGB legislation includes the transgendered community. If you look at the members here at Susan's, you will find a lot on the West coast.
When you look at schools, also look at reciprocity agreements with other states. A NYS teaching certificate is accepted in just about every state. Not all states are so accepting/acceptable. Going to school in a state where no one else recognizes your certification can limit your options.
Just a few thoughts from someone already in the trenches...
Chaunte
