The teacher reflected on the idea of masculinity and whether rejecting the gender binary and affirming people of all genders affected it.

He identified three critical skills that middle schoolers can practice to redefine masculinity:

• Confidence
• Communication
• Community

These three C's became the pillars of his school, which demonstrated that middle schoolers could redefine masculinity.

Adolescents are exploring their identities and are more open to abstract thinking. Having healthy and balanced confidence allows boys to feel good about who they are rather than feeling uncomfortable for trying to be someone they're not.

The teacher's school moves away from either-or thinking and guides boys to a more holistic version of masculinity that includes both-and.

This approach allows boys to understand that there's an entire spectrum of how they can express themselves and that they can value the complexity of their identity and stand firm in it with confidence.

The second critical skill is communication.

Communication is key to countering toxic masculinity.

Boys need to learn how to communicate their emotions and needs effectively.

They need to learn how to listen actively and to empathize with others. When boys learn to communicate effectively, they can build deeper and more meaningful relationships with others.

Boys need to learn how to build and sustain healthy relationships. They need to learn how to collaborate and work in teams.

When boys learn to work in communities, they can develop leadership skills, empathy, and a sense of responsibility.

They can also learn how to challenge toxic masculinity and promote healthy and equitable relationships.

Middle school is a time like no other.

It's a time when adolescents undergo significant biological, neurological, and emotional changes that impact their identity formation.

It's also a time when they can learn critical skills that can help them redefine masculinity.

By teaching confidence, communication, and community, middle schoolers can build healthy and equitable relationships, challenge toxic masculinity, and lead us to a more just and equitable society.