08/01/2020

Supporting Early Career Development of Transgender and Gender Expansive Children in Elementary School

By Nathan Mather, Ellen H. McWhirter, and Peter P. Ehlinger

On June 15, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to protect transgender employees against workplace discrimination based on sex (Sanger-Katz & Green, 2020), and in NCDA’s Career Convergence, Motulsky and Frank (2018) articulated helpful strategies for career counseling with transgender adults. Optimal support of transgender career development, however, begins in elementary school, because in early childhood, gender identity is usually solidified (Keo-Meier & Ehrensaft, 2018) and career development initiated (Low et al., 2005; Watson et al., 2015). Gender can influence career development (Howard & Walsh, 2011) with implications for wellness and career outcomes (Low et al., 2005; White Hughto et al., 2015). Our focus in this article is on transgender and gender expansive (TGE) children. Transgender children are those whose gender identity does not align with their sex assigned at birth, and gender expansive children is an umbrella term for those whose gender identities and/or expression are inconsistent with cultural and social expectations (Keo-Meier & Ehrensaft, 2018). A national survey by GLSEN found that 8% of elementary school children reported that they do not conform to traditional gender expectations (GLSEN & Harris Interactive, 2012). Bullying and harassment as a result of being misunderstood and marginalized (Reisner et al., 2016; White Hughto et al., 2015) have adverse effects on TGE student attendance, grades, and educational aspirations (GLSEN & Harrison Interactive, 2012), and consequently, their career opportunities and financial security in adulthood (White Hughto et al., 2015). These adverse effects are even more pronounced for TGE children with intersecting marginalized identities (e.g. BIPOC and undocumented TGE children; Singh et al., 2015; James et al., 2017). The provision of gender affirmative career development support in elementary school is one component of what must be a larger effort to increase the safety and well-being of TGE individuals in school (GLSEN & Harris Interactive, 2012) and, later, in the workplace (Dispenza, et al., 2012; White Hughto et al., 2015). Early exposure to gender affirmative career education and activities may help protect TGE children from some of the deleterious effects of living in a cissexist society, normalizing their experiences as they explore, engage in activities, and develop interests and capacities.

Children’s Gender Identity and Career Development

By late elementary school, children begin matching their interests and strengths with vocational pathways, eliminating options based on what they see as appropriate for themselves (Howard & Walsh, 2011). Career-related interests tend to become solidified by age 12 and remain relatively stable through adulthood (Low et al., 2005), underscoring the importance of early elementary school interventions that support children’s exploration of interests and that challenge identity-bound limitations. Gendered socialization to the world of work that reinforces traditional, binary gender roles without critical reflection may complicate and constrain TGE children’s exploration of interests, particularly when this hidden curriculum of cissexism intersects with other systems of oppression in schools, including racism, classism, and ableism (Crenshaw, 1991; Rosiek et al., 2017).

Over the past fifty years, efforts made in elementary school career interventions to widen children’s perspectives on gendered work have focused on introducing children to men and women in careers non-traditional for their sex (e.g., Karniol & Gal-Disegni, 2009). These exposures, in conjunction with evolving notions of gender roles, aimed to broaden careers viewed as acceptable for cisgender people, but have not included TGE students.

Photo By Daniele Levis Pelusi On Unsplash

Fostering the Career Development of TGE Children

Below are specific recommendations for career professionals to foster the career development of TGE children:

1. Reflect on Your Biases

Reflect on your own biases about transgender people and gendered career pathways so that you can interrupt stereotypes.
Reflect on how your own experiences of gender role messages in childhood reinforced and/or limited your career aspirations in order to increase empathy for TGE children.
If you are cisgender, consider how cisgender privilege impacted your early career development.
Notice and interrupt moments in which you provide more positive reinforcement for children who engage in activities that “fit better” with their perceived gender, or when you withhold praise for gender-nonconforming activities (Granger et al., 2017)
Notice and interrupt ways in which you reinforce binary conceptualization of gender (e.g., saying boys and girls; you guys) and instead include non-binary students in your language (e.g., y’all, students, all genders).

2. Advocate for Structural Change

Develop and support policies at national, state, and district levels to protect the rights and well-being of TGE students, as safety is a prerequisite to career education (e.g., see Orr & Baum, n.d. and Human Rights Campaign, www.hrc.org).
Create working groups to make extracurricular programming (e.g., sports, clubs, etc.) more inclusive of TGE students, thereby providing more learning experiences that build self-efficacy and outcome expectations.
Stand with transgender colleagues and TGE students when they experience harassment and microaggressions in the school.

3. Make your Career Curriculum Trans-Affirming

Acknowledge in career education that TGE children’s ability to access and attempt a variety of activities, particularly activities that are gendered, is critical for their healthy vocational development.
Provide opportunities for children of all genders to engage in a broad range of activities so that self-efficacy and outcome expectations are not limited by gender identity (Lent, et al., 1994).
Teach about transgender people, especially Black, Indigenous and other transgender people of color, who contributed across disciplines of science, literature, politics, and arts (e.g., see Teaching Tolerance, www.tolerance.org).
Promote and use gender-affirmative materials, including resources specifically for TGE children and their families, on school websites.
Use gender-inclusive language when discussing careers (e.g., firefighter instead of fireman; Vervecken & Hannover, 2015).

4. Engage with TGE Children and Transgender Communities

Express confidence that TGE children can be successful in a particular domain, regardless of gender or other identities.
Include transgender professionals from diverse careers and cultural backgrounds among speakers at the school for career days and career panels.
Invite students from middle and high school Gender and Sexuality Alliance clubs to volunteer in the school.
Hire transgender consultants to offer expertise as gender-affirming career development activities and content are constructed.

Possibilities and Freedom

Transforming classrooms, schools, districts, and national policies to protect, affirm, and support the career development of TGE children requires sustained and collaborative effort and dedication. Gender affirmative career development efforts help pave a way for TGE children to experience validation and representation as they begin career exploration, resulting in greater possibilities and freedom when they enter the world of work. This direction fits with the broader aim to optimize thriving for TGE children.

References

Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review. https://doi.org/10.2307/1229039

Dispenza, F., Watson, L. B., Chung, Y. B., & Brack, G. (2012). Experience of career-related discrimination for female-to-male transgender persons: A qualitative study. Career Development Quarterly, 60(1), 65–81. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-0045.2012.00006.x

GLSEN & Harris Interactive. (2012). Playgrounds and prejudice: Elementary school climate in the United States, A survey of students and teachers. GLSEN. https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/Playgrounds_Prejudice.pdf

Granger, K. L., Hanish, L., Kornienko, O., & Bradley, R. (2017). Preschool teachers’ facilitation of gender-typed and gender- neutral activities during free play. Sex Roles, 76(7), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-016-0675-1

Howard, K. A. S. & Walsh, M. E. (2011). Children’s conceptions of career choice and attainment: Model development. Journal of Career Development, 38(3), 256–271. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894845310365851

James, S. E., Brown, C., & Wilson, I. (2017). 2015 U.S. transgender survey: Report on the experiences of Black respondents. National Center for Transgender Equality, Black Trans Advocacy, & National Black Justice Coalition. https://www.transequality.org/sites/-default/files/docs/usts/USTS-Black-Respondents-Report.pdf

Karniol, R. & Gal-Disegni, M. (2009). The impact of gender-fair versus gender-stereotyped basal readers on 1st-grade children’s gender stereotypes: A natural experiment. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 23(4), 411–420. https://doi.org/10.1080/02568540909594670

Keo-Meier, C. & Ehrensaft, D. (2018). The gender affirmative model: An interdisciplinary approach to supporting transgender and gender expansive children. American Psychological Association.

Lent, R. W., Brown, S. D., & Hackett, G. (1994). Monograph: Toward a unifying social cognitive theory of career and academic interest, choice, and performance. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 45(1), 79-122. https://doi.org/10.1006/jvbe.1994.1027

Low, K. S. D., Yoon, M., Roberts, B. W., & Rounds, J. (2005). The stability of vocational interests from early adolescence to middle adulthood: A quantitative review of longitudinal studies. Psychological Bulletin, 131(5), 713-737. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.131.5.713

Motulsky, S. & Frank, E. (2018). Creating positive spaces for career counseling with transgender clients. Career Convergence. https://associationdatabase.com/aws/NCDA/pt/sd/news_article/159199/_self/CC_layout_details/true

Orr, A., & Baum, J. (n.d.) Schools in transition: A guide for supporting transgender students in K-12 schools. Human Rights Campaign. https://www.hrc.org/resources/schools-in-transition-a-guide-for-supporting-transgender-students-in-k-12-s

Reisner, S. L., Poteat, T., Keatley, J. A., Cabral, M., Mothopeng, T., Dunham, E., Holland, C.E., Max, R., & Baral, S. D. (2016). Global health burden and needs of transgender populations: A review. The Lancet, 388, 412-436. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)00684-X

Rosiek, J., Schmitke, A., & Heffernan, J. (2017). Queering teacher education curriculum: A case study of lessons learned in the transformation of a teacher education program. Curriculum and Teaching Dialogue, 19(1&2), 3-17.

Sanger-Katz, M. & Green, E. L. (2020). Supreme court expansion of transgender rights undercuts Trump restrictions. The New York Times, p. A21. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/15/upshot/transgender-rights-trump.html

Singh, A. A., Moss, L., Mingo, T., & Eaker, R. (2015). LGBTQQ students and safe schools: A call for innovation and progress. https://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/safe-schools/sexual-minority-students.pdf

Vervecken, D. & Hannover, B. (2015). Yes I can! Effects of gender fair job descriptions on children’s perceptions of job status, job difficulty, and vocational self-efficacy. Social Psychology, 46(2), 76–92. https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-9335/a000229

Watson, M., Nota, L., & McMahon, M. (2015). Child career development: present and future trends. International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, 15(2), 95–97. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-015-9308-4

White Hughto, J. M., Reisner, S. L., & Pachankis, J. E. (2015). Transgender stigma and health: A critical review of stigma determinants, mechanisms, and interventions. Social Science and Medicine, 147, 222-231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.11.010

Nathan Mather, M.S. (he/him) is a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at the University of Oregon. His research interests focus on the co-occurring processes of vocational and critical consciousness development, as well as examining how oppressive practices and policies can be replaced with alternatives to facilitate healing and thriving for students and workers. He can be reached at nmather@uoregon.edu

Ellen Hawley McWhirter, PhD (she/her) is the Ann Swindells Professor in Counseling Psychology at the University of Oregon and director of the Spanish Language Psychological Services and Research Specialization. Her scholarly interests include Latinx adolescent career development, critical consciousness, and adolescent risk behavior. She can be reached at ellenmcw@uoregon.edu

Peter P. Ehlinger, M.S. (he/him) is a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at the University of Oregon. His research focuses on developing culturally-sensitive interventions for trauma, alcohol and substance use, with a focus on trans and gender-nonconforming folks. He can be reached at ppe@uoregon.edu

23 Comments

Leave a Comment

Sue Motulsky on Sunday 08/02/2020 at 04:12 PM

Thank you Nathan, Ellen, and Peter for this much needed article on early career development for TGE children. Kimberly Howard and I are working on a lit review of career development and trans/non-binary and there is very, very little research or writing on trans or non-binary children or adolescents--definitely an area that needs more attention. Wonderful suggestions. Thanks, Sue

Nathan Mather on Sunday 08/02/2020 at 06:18 PM

@Sue Motulsky, thank you for your kind words and for the work y'all are doing--we look forward to reading your lit review!
Best, Nathan

mary frances fitzgerald on Tuesday 08/11/2020 at 02:14 PM

Hi there: as a school counsellor I really appreciate your article. I will be sharing it with my provincial counselling colleagues in Alberta.

Nathan Mather on Wednesday 08/12/2020 at 12:25 PM

@mary frances fitzgerald, thank you!

China Yang on Thursday 05/30/2024 at 04:06 PM

This article makes me extremely happy and hopeful as a school counselor in training! There needs to be more awareness, advocacy, and change for all students of identity.

Grace Cormier on Saturday 06/01/2024 at 02:47 PM

School counselors have an opportunity to help future and develop career development within student populations in order to build upon self-efficacy and outcome expectations. It is within this profession that we must be able to advise under served populations of students to foster normalization of their experience as they develop their own interests and apacities- within the burden of gender identity expectations.

Micol Striuli on Sunday 06/02/2024 at 08:48 AM

This is a thoughtful article that takes into account the changing world of today. Many of our younger students are still trying to develop a sense of self and it is important to show them many different examples of what and who they want to become when they are older, rather than limiting their path to a conventional one based on heteronormative ideas of gender and career.

Marcela Garces on Monday 06/03/2024 at 12:25 PM

What a powerful article! It's wonderful to have these essential conversations with adults and children. As an aspiring school counselor, I look to check my biases often in an effort to promote an all-inclusive environment. I will be sure to reference this article along the way. Thank you!!

Justine C. on Monday 06/03/2024 at 12:49 PM

“Early exposure to gender affirmative career education and activities may help protect TGE children from some of the deleterious effects of living in a cissexist society, normalizing their experiences as they explore, engage in activities, and develop interests and capacities.”
A necessary article which offers the school counselor the opportunity to reflect on the TGE student’s perspective as well as putting forth the information and education that is needed to move forward with the student and understanding their goals, missions and dreams for their future. In addition to all of the points in the article it is equally important to include representations of gender diversity in curricula, textbooks, and other educational materials which can assist in validations and experiences of TGE students while promoting an understanding in the educational setting for all students and educators.
Outstanding article! Thank you!

Leah Abbate on Monday 06/03/2024 at 08:47 PM

This article does a profound job at highlighting the importance of supporting early career development of TGE children, the areas which need improvement, and specific ways in which we can foster this development. I found this article to provide insight on how to support and provide early exposure to gender affirmative career education and activities. The specific recommendations which were provided are ones which I will continually be aware of, engage in, and advocate for within my role as a counselor.

Libby Berke on Tuesday 09/10/2024 at 11:57 AM

Thank you Nathan, Ellen and Peter for highlighting the importance of providing early career development exposure for our TGE students. Especially valuable in this article were your recommendations for how professionals can learn more about this population of students and be supportive. As a teacher and counselor in training, I understand the importance of ensuring that all students feel seen and comfortable. I am proud of the efforts I make to educate myself on topics that are unfamiliar to me, but I have colleagues who do not necessarily do this and should. Therefore, the more knowledge I can learn and share with them, the better!

Brian Rodrigues on Tuesday 09/10/2024 at 12:55 PM

This is an very informational article since this is a very huge focus when it comes to working with TGE students. As a future school counselor, it is very important in making sure that ALL students feel safe, welcomed, and comfortable. I like how they mentioned the specific recommendations for career professionals to foster the career development of TGE children. It is very important for one's self to be open minded and reflect on his/her own biases. Thank you for the wonderful article Nathan, Ellen, & Peter!

Russ Flanagan on Sunday 09/15/2024 at 05:02 PM

The societal progress of the transgender population (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) has ushered in the same advancements within our learning institutions. Any number of issues are expected to confront K-12 students, however for the TGE student particular care and concern need to be paid to the dangers and interruptions that potentially lie in wait for them. Mather, McWhirter, and Ehlinger cite threats of bullying, harassment, and marginalization as primary factors which can have adverse effects on the TGE's academic and career progress. I was pleased to learn about the initiation of gender affirmative career support which could mitigate the negative effects on a TGE's progress. I agree with the idea that this support should be promoted in the student's formative elementary years and continue throughout their academic career. This practice also challenges (rightly) the counselor to reflect on their own biases and advocate for changes in the classroom as well as the school proper. A very timely article. Thank you for the publication.

Emma Derry on Monday 09/16/2024 at 03:37 PM

I appreciate your focus on starting career support for transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) children early. The connection you make between marginalization and its long-term effects on academic and career outcomes is critical. Your recommendations like encouraging career professionals to reflect on biases, use trans-affirming language, create inclusive curriculum, and advocate for policy change are all practical steps that can foster a sense of belonging and empowerment for TGE students. Highlighting the importance of transgender role models and breaking down current structures and barriers is key to ensuring these students can explore their interests without limitations.

Kayleigh Actis on Tuesday 09/17/2024 at 11:52 AM

This article is a wonderful resource with thought provoking recommendations for fostering the wellbeing of TGE students. It provides great tips for changing our thinking and language towards students to be more inclusive. Students need to be taught inclusivity and less about what makes us different in terms of gender and how it affects our future. Representation is important to consider in order for these marginalized students to thrive.

Alexa Morales on Tuesday 09/17/2024 at 04:57 PM

This was a great article. It is so important to provide support for transgender and gender expansive children as they navigate their early career development. The importance of integrating gender-affirmative career education and activities into elementary school settings should be emphasized more, it could serve as a crucial safeguard against the harmful effects of living in a cissexist society. The suggestions for career professionals to actively support the career development of transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) children are not only insightful but also very practical. It is crucial for us to reflect on our own biases, advocate for systemic changes, and update career curriculums to fully support transgender and gender-expansive individuals. Every district should be aiming to create a more inclusive and supportive environment that allows TGE children to freely explore their interests and pursue their career goals.

Mason Lavache on Tuesday 09/17/2024 at 05:18 PM

I really enjoyed this article! It really makes me happy to see that advocacy for TGE children is spreading throughout school systems. I really enjoyed the idea of having transgender professionals from an abundance of diverse backgrounds come into events such as career fairs and panels as well as other events would be such a great way to include TGE children in the career planning and exploring process and it also gives them an opportunity to see someone just like them being successful and productive in their communities in a variety of different ways. Thank you for the article!

Mariah Hunt on Wednesday 09/18/2024 at 09:44 AM

Thank you for this detailed and insightful article! This article itself demonstrates how to take action, promote change, and support TGE students in career development. It gives teachers and counselors a great framework to follow, and a push to get started as advocators.

Olivia Weltin on Thursday 09/19/2024 at 01:07 PM

I found your article insightful and timely, particularly in highlighting the need for early gender-affirmative career development in elementary schools. Supporting transgender and gender expansive (TGE) children during such formative years is crucial, especially as they solidify their identities and begin exploring potential career paths. I appreciate the emphasis on reflecting on biases and using inclusive language, as these steps are key to creating an environment where all students feel validated. Your call to introduce TGE role models and provide a broad range of activities to foster self-efficacy really stood out to me.

This approach not only empowers TGE children but also enriches the entire student body by promoting understanding and inclusivity. I'm especially encouraged by your advocacy for structural changes, which are vital in ensuring long-term support for these students as they navigate their career development in a cissexist society. Thank you for sharing these thoughtful strategies to create a more inclusive educational system.

Maggie Grace on Thursday 09/19/2024 at 03:55 PM

This article was great. It is so important to create a safe space for students, so that they know they have someone fighting for them and wanting to help them every step of the way. The reccomendations listed are so important when helping transgender and LGBTQ+ students figure out their post secondary plans.

Shane Paul Coffey on Thursday 09/19/2024 at 04:32 PM

I had no idea how crucial it was to help transgender and gender-expansive youngsters establish their careers from an early age. It is crucial that you place a strong emphasis on fostering an inclusive and safe environment for TGE students. I'm motivated to push for reform in my school and neighborhood so that every student has the confidence and support to follow their aspirations. I appreciate your insightful and powerful post.

Grace Shirley on Thursday 09/19/2024 at 07:22 PM

Thank you for this article!
I truly believe this is an issue that is not addressed nearly enough. As an aspiring school counselor I believe this provides me with an exciting opportunity of changing the narrative regarding the gender roles that often get assigned to specific jobs. Not only does this limit individuals from pursuing a career path they are passionate about, but it marginalizes members of the TGE community. I believe one of the most eye opening points of this article is the importance of reflecting on individual biases. In order to make a lasting impact on the school community; school counsellors must first look inward to recognize and address any stereotypes they may be holding onto.

David mello on Friday 09/20/2024 at 11:06 AM

As a current educator and a future school counselor, I will ensure that there is more awareness and students learn the need for self advocacy.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the comments shown above are those of the individual comment authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of this organization.