Books

Dignity for All: Safeguarding LGBT Students (2012, Corwin Press)



“84.6% of LGBT students reported being verbally harassed, 40.1% reported being physically harassed and 18.8% reported being physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation.  72.4% heard homophobic remarks" (GLSEN, 2009, p. 26). 

Over the past few years there have been a slew of suicides.  The young people who have died by suicide range from kids who did not reach the teenage years to others who cut their lives short before they finished college.  It is clear that we have an issue in our society that needs to be changed, and those of us who are fortunate enough to call education our choice of career can help change it (DeWitt, Dignity for All. p.11). 

Reviews

“Dignity for All is a wise book that will help administrators, teachers, and parents work together to make sure that our schools are welcoming for all our students. Every school has an obligation to create an environment in which all students are encouraged to develop their talents to the fullest. Peter DeWitt's thoughtful book provides the insight and ideas to lead the way in including LGBT students.”
Diane Ravitch

“All learners who enter the schoolhouse door deserve to find there adults who receive them with eagerness and optimism, work diligently to understand their strengths and needs, and create an environment that maximizes their development.  In this book, a group of students that is often little understood and frequently maligned finds a voice.  Educators whose reach extends to every student will discover here a deeper understanding of these students’ needs as well as sound advice on addressing those needs.”   Carol Ann Tomlinson

   “School leaders set the tone and define the culture of their buildings. Peter DeWitt offers an important resource for teachers and administrators that will help create a positive culture and an inclusive school for all students.”  Todd Whitaker

"Dignity for All provides educators with critical information on the experiences of LGBTstudents in our schools and how to create safe and affirming spaces for theseyouth.  Grounded in his experience as a teacher and school administrator, Peter DeWitt makes vital knowledge accessible for those on the front lines in schools."   Eliza Byard, PhD, Executive Director, Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

 Children's Books
Toaster Pond (2006, DNA Press)          Isabella and the Room of Lost Brooms (2007)
                    


The Mysterious Lunch at Hope Street Elementary School: A Wishaphant Adventure (2011, Rick O'Boyle, Illustrator). Ages: 3 to 8