Transgender Teacher Returns to School a Woman

By JoNel Aleccia 

A California high school science teacher gave students and colleagues a new lesson in biology Monday, showing up for the first time as a woman a week after her plans to switch genders became suddenly public.

The former Gary Sconce, 56 — an award-winning educator, husband, father and grandfather who has taught at Yosemite High School for 24 years — will now be known as Karen Adell Scot, she said.

“I’m actually going to work as my real 'out' self,” Scot told NBC News. “I stand in front of the class and I’m so filled with joy.”

Under a long auburn wig and makeup, wearing a blue flowered dress and size 12W open-toed shoes, the transgender teacher said her brain will now match her body after a transition that has been a lifetime in coming.

“I will not return as my male persona ever again,” she said.

Max Whittaker / Prime for NBC News

Karen Scot, 56, gets dressed at her North Fork, Calif., home before her first day teaching as a transgendered woman at Yosemite High School in Oakhurst, Calif. Scot has been a science teacher for 30 years.

The change has stirred controversy in the small town of Oakhurst, Calif., in the Gold Rush territory just outside Yosemite National Park. One neighbor, Kathi Bales, wrote a letter published in the local newspaper last week telling Scot to quit her job and urging the community to reject her.

“I see this as an assault on the minds and morals of our children,” she wrote. “It blurs the lines of what is right and wrong.”

Others, however, have rallied to support Scot, saying she’s a role model for integrity, courage and authenticity.

“Karen is truly an inspiration to everyone,” said Julia Cruz, 34, of nearby Coarsegold, Calif., whose 18-year-old daughter, Erin Asis, was a student of the former Mr. Sconce.

"I never expected it, but I'm very happy for her," Asis said. "She'll still be the same excellent teacher that she is."

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