NSW Teachers Federation rule out gender terms in puzzling magazine article

The NSW Teachers Federation has stunningly offered “gender-neutral class greetings” for its educators to use when talking to students in the classroom. 

They’re the “gender-neutral class greetings” sure to raise the ire of some, being pushed in puzzling NSW Teachers Federation magazine article.

The article suggests in the move to become more inclusive, teachers say goodbye to the terms “girls and boys” and hello to “epic and awesome humans”.

They are some of the new terms the article recommends teachers call their students to address the whole class, and avoid gendered language.

The Journal of the NSW Teachers Federation called for educators to use the gender-neutral terms in its quarterly issue to members and media.

A page in the magazine is dedicated to the “gender-neutral class greetings” to use for what they believe provides a more inclusive environment to students.

A teachers Federation guide on Gender-neutral class greetings. Picture: NSW Teachers Federation

The terms “guys” and “boys and girls” were deemed inappropriate, but the group has chosen to give a few alternatives instead. 

The Teachers Federation has suggested instead of using terms like boys and girls, to swap them with “epic humans, awesome humans, intellectuals and change makers”. 

The document also includes “subject specific” terms with music students to be called composers, maths students as “mathematicians, critical thinkers or problem solvers”.

PDHPE students are “achievers” and “athletes”.

Then there’s the “empowering” terms: “experts, intellectuals, learners, future leaders, change makers” and “superstars”.

English students are “readers, writers, actors, playwrights” and “poets”.

Male and female students are to be called by new names such as epic humans and intellectuals.

Teachers wrote to radio station 2GB with concerns over the new terms they are expected to use. 

”Words such as experts and intellectuals have a clear definition and meaning in society,” one teacher said.

“We’re now expected to categorise students in Year 9 woodworking class, with the ranks of intellectuals.

A primary school teacher who works in a support unit said the new terms offend them.

The NSW Teachers Federation has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as NSW Teachers Federation rule out gender terms in puzzling magazine article