Teacher

they show me love and respect, and they’re
the nicest kids on the planet. I couldn’t ask
for more wonderful students to be here
today.”
The trip also included a visit to the
Millennium dance studio, among other
tourist destinations.
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N
CE FOR Clements LGBTQ tries to be vigilant, PEOPLE editing out
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“I gave them an hour to shop in the mall on
the final day,” Clements says. “My students
are all shoe fanatics. They bought $180
shoes. They like to trade their shoes with
each other too.”
Ellen presented Clements with a $10,000
cheque from Shutterfly. Clements says she
plans to set up a dance studio for youth
in San Pancho, Mexico, where she and her
husband own a second home. She hopes
the studio will also host cultural exchanges
between local youth and students she’ll
invite from Canada.
Dancing since she was a child, Clements
trained in ballet and “character” dancing—
everything from flamingo to jazz. She
keeps in shape by dancing three hours a
day, often alongside students as she shows
them steps. Clements also choreographs her
students’ routines but says she is open to
students’ ideas.
“I collaborate with my students,” she says.
“The kids will say, ‘let’s try this.’”
Students also help choose the music.
In the rap world of harsh street slang,
inappropriate words. “There’s no swear
words allowed in the music at the school
competitions,” Clements says. “It’s a family
affair.”
Clements will retire with the assurance
that her dance courses will continue as
a younger teacher takes her place. She
appreciates the value of the program in
public schools, providing a creative outlet
for youth. “There are students who can’t
take dance outside of school,” she also
observes. “It’s expensive.”
Some of her former students have become
dance teachers, providing another satisfying
legacy. Her students have also used their
acquired talent to entertain on board
cruise ships, in music videos, and at dance
competitions, including the popular TV
show “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Though Clements has two grown children,
her students are like family too—and she
will miss them. “They call me Nana C,”
Clements says. “I love the kids.”
CE FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE
THIS IS A SAFE PLACE FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE
BC TEACHERS’ FEDERATION
Being an LGBTQ ally
Did you know there is a guide to help teachers and school
staff to become active allies to LGBTQ students? This guide
offers suggestions to make classrooms and schools a truly
safe place, free of slurs and bullying.
THIS IS A SAFE PLACE FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE
By displaying this rainbow sticker in
your classroom and school, you’re saying that
• you are an ally to LGBTQ students, staff, parents, community
members, and visitors.
• you are helping to end the oppression of LGBTQ people and
children of LGBTQ parents.
• you are committing to educate the school community about
homophobia and transphobia, speak out about homophobic and
transphobic incidents/practices in your school or community, and
promote BC equal TEACHERS’ respect FEDERATION and treatment for everyone.
• you are identifying yourself as a “safe” and supportive
person for LGBTQ students to talk to about their questions
and/or concerns.
• you are pledging to make classroom and school activities inclusive
for LGBTQ students, staff, parents, and community members.
For further information, see https://goo.gl/VAIIP4.
THIS IS A SAFE PLACE FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE
November/December 2015 TEACHER 19