PSEER Seminar Series Features Discussion on Gender and Pronouns and Teaching

On Thursday, December 6, 2018, Tommy Mayberry, educational developer at OpenEd, concluded the Fall 2018 PSEER Seminar Series with a discussion on gender pronouns and teaching. In this presentation, Mayberry articulated the importance of fostering inclusivity in teaching and presented some suggestions on how to create and maintain an inviting place for students.

“We can start to make inviting spaces by modelling our own pronouns and transparently inviting our students to do so as well,” explained Mayberry.

They expressed that a few ways to begin to create an inclusive space is to display your pronouns in email signatures, syllabi, business cards, social media profiles, academic profiles, office spaces and name tags.

“As a general rule of thumb, however someone asks you to refer to them, just do it,” emphasized Mayberry.

Throughout the discussion, Mayberry answered questions from attendees and explained the value of word choice and open mindedness to sharing pronouns. They mentioned that sharing your pronouns invites others to share theirs as well.

Mayberry concluded their talk by stating that, in most cases, professors just need to ask their students, “how would you like me to refer to you?”

The PSEER Seminar Series will continue in the Winter 2019 Semester. Visit the PSEER website for details on upcoming winter discussions.