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16 The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin: International Journal for Professional Educators

Following the suggestions provided by Russell et al. (2010), more specific
recommendations might include:
1. At the beginning of the school year, an activity called a Me Bag could be used
as a means for students and teachers to introduce themselves during the first week of
school (Jennings, 2005). Identity items suggested for this activity might consist of objects
such as pictures, souvenirs, or other possessions that may introduce some students to
family structures different from their own. A word of caution: This activity may not be a
comfortable one for students who are struggling with their orientation or questioning their
gender identity.
2. Reading and discussing in the classroom some books with LGBTQ topics
or characters, such as those from the American Library Association’s Rainbow Project
Book List (2017a) and the American Library Association’s Stonewall Book Awards List
(2017b). For more information, see http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/rainbow-project-
book-list and http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/stonewall-book-awards
3. Policies for school events and activities such as dances or proms, yearbook
picture expectations, club and organization memberships, and other school-related events
and activities should be supportive of all students.

Dr. Linda K. Lilienthal is an associate professor of teacher education/literacy at the University
of Nebraska Kearney, where she is the Director of the Master of Education, Reading PK-
12 Program. She is a current member of Alpha Kappa Chapter in the Nebraska State
Organization. Her research interests include online teaching and learning, digital literacy,
literacy assessment and instructional intervention, university reading clinics, and graduate
education. lilienthallk@unk.edu

Dr. Jude Matyo-Cepero, NBCT, is an associate professor of teacher education/special
education/gifted education at the University of Nebraska Kearney where she serves as
Director of Gifted Education. She is vice-president of Alpha Kappa Chapter in the Nebraska
State Organization. Her research interests include advocacy, gifted education, autism, and
dual exceptionality. ceperoja@unk.edu

Leah Messinger is a school counselor at the St. Vrain Valley School District in Longmont,
Colorado, where she was born and raised. She earned her Master’s in School Counseling at
the University of Nebraska Kearney. Saraceni_leah@svvsd.org

Dr. Matthew J. Mims, LMHP, LPC, NCC is a professor in the Counseling and School
Psychology Department at the University of Nebraska Kearney. Prior to UNK, he served
as a high school counselor and adjunct professor after receiving his doctorate in counselor
education from the University of South Dakota. His research interests include program
assessment, GLBT issues, student engagement, career counseling, internship supervision,
diversity, and global curriculum. mimsmj@unk.edu