Connections Matter is a training designed to engage community members in building caring connections to:
- Improve resiliency,
- Prevent childhood trauma, and
- Understand how our interactions with others can support those who have experienced trauma.
The Sex Education Collaborative Training Hub lists trainings for sex educators, facilitators, and other professionals on best practices for sharing important information with clients and the public. From teaching anatomy inclusively to effectively addressing bias in the classroom to addressing racial justice and equity in sex education, the Training Hub includes trainings, technical assistance, and policy support from state, regional, and national leaders in the field of sex education.
Please note: The Training Hub includes both in-person and online professional trainings. If you see a training you are interested in and it isn’t listed as virtual, please reach out directly to any of our members to find out what's possible!
Connections Matter is a training designed to engage community members in building caring connections to:
The Sexuality Education Cornerstone Seminar (SECS) is our most popular training opportunity for foundational information about sexuality education. SECS is designed for educators, youth-serving professionals, and individuals interested in entering sexuality education and are seeking a basic foundation of knowledge in sexuality and sexual health information that they can share with their populations. Participants receive up-to-date information about protection methods, anatomy, puberty, sexual and gender identity, communication, and sexually transmitted infections. They also develop the knowledge, skills, and practice needed to deliver information and answer questions related to sexuality. Each session of this lively, interactive, three day seminar combines discussion and hands-on practical experience in specific subject areas.
At the conclusion of the seminar, participants of this course are able to:
A certificate of participation is given upon successful completion and evaluation of the seminar. This training does not certify participants as sexuality educators, though some professional development and continuing education credits are available.
Sexual Health Education Essentials is a foundational training meant to prepare sexual health educators, school personnel, and other youth work professionals to support young people. Training content is data-driven and aligned with best-practices in the field of adolescent sexual health promotion. Topics covered during pre-work and live training include holistic sexuality, adolescent growth & development, reproductive health, responding to sensitive questions, values in sexual health education, consent, contraception, and more. Sexual Health Education Essentials is recommended for anyone new to the field of sexual health education or for trusted adults working with young people in any capacity who wish to gain knowledge and strengthen their skills.
Trauma-Responsive Practices in Sex Education will provide participants with information about the prevalence and impact of trauma on the brain and behavior, including the limitations of how trauma is assessed. Utilizing a trauma-responsive approach means that a program, organization, or system “realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery; recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system; and responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices, and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization” (SAMHSA). This training will lead sex educators through content knowledge and applicable best-practices for taking a trauma-responsive approach within their classrooms and organizations, including the role trusted adults play in creating an environment conducive to resilience and healing. This training is intended for anyone implementing sexual health education with young people and the supervisors that support them.
Self-care is more than just bubble baths and facials; it is vital to our mental health and can include everyday activities, like walking and breathing. School staff can model healthy self-care and pass it along to their students. We will discuss what self-care can look like in your classroom both virtually and in-person.
Participants will be reminded of normal patterns of development during adolescence and discuss strategies for maintaining professionalism with adolescent students.
This training is designed for: