The former teacher of Auburn's Drake Middle School who resigned after receiving backlash for comments made about using podcasts to reach his students and others with LGBTQ+ topics has now found a home at Auburn University as a coach for students with "learning differences" such as "ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety and Dyslexia."
In July, 1819 News published audio from then-Drake Middle School music teacher Seth McCollough. The audio came from McCollough’s podcast, "Bleu Dreams," named after his drag queen pseudonym, Colana Bleu.
In the audio, McCollough detailed using his podcast as a tool to reach his students and others with LGBTQ+ content since he was limited in what he could do at school.
On another drag queen podcast called "Look Who’s Tucking," McCollough also spoke at length about the intersection between his drag life and job as a teacher.
The story, combined with social media backlash, led McCollough to email community members announcing his resignation from the school. The school also swiftly removed McCollough’s profile from its website.
SEE: Auburn's Drake Middle School drag queen teacher resigns after backlash over comments
According to McCollough’s LinkedIn page, the same month as his resignation from Drake, he took a position as a SKILLS coach at Auburn, a fee-based academic coaching program housed under the university's Office of Accessibility.
“Auburn University’s SKILL program is a fee-for-service academic support program for undergraduate students with documented evidence of learning differences and executive functioning challenges,” the Auburn website reads. “The program offers individualized academic coaching which provides accountability, structure, support and skill based strategies for students to reach their personal and academic goals.”
The coaching is specifically for students with "learning differences" such as "ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety and Dyslexia."
“SKILL includes weekly coaching sessions,as well as phone, text, and email support. At each session, a student can expect a knowledgeable coach who actively listens, encourages, motivates, and supports," the site reads. "Coaching sessions will be individualized. Study skills, time management, decision making, organization, planning, effective and professional communication and academic progress are naturally incorporated into all coaching sessions.”
It continues, "SKILL students meet with their coach, one-on-one, each week to create a personalized action plan for that week’s assignments and activities. Coaches provide study, time management, goal-setting, problem-solving and communication skills and serve as a support hub for students, helping students take advantage of resources around campus."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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