Cardea provides a range of TA services to support school districts in the adoption and implementation of sound sexual health education policies and procedures. Through direct services, training, and capacity building, Cardea assists districts in adopting best practices, building the capacity of their faculty and staff, and engaging their parents and community. TA begins with the dissemination of policy, research, practices, and resources through peer-learning communities/communities of practice. Additional individualized district TA supports system changes, capacity building, training and education that results in significant changes to practices within a district and changing community perceptions and norms.
Training Hub
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!
Trainings Offered by State-Based and National Organizations
Displaying results 101 - 105 of 154LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
In this training, participants will:
- Describe the ways in which discrimination in the school setting can lend to unfavorable health outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Identify concrete steps to respond to bullying on the basis of gender or sexual orientation.
- Describe specific strategies for being inclusive of LGBTQ+ youth in the classroom and school setting.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Describe three elements of a trauma-informed approach to sex education.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain how availability of supportive school staff, presence of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), LGBQ-inclusive curricular resources, and the presence of comprehensive, enumerated anti-harassment school policies are related to improved school climate for students of all sexual orientations.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate the use of inclusive and affirming language. (S)
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to intervene effectively in homophobic and other bullying comments and actions. (S)
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain three ways that LGBQ+ youth are at disproportionate risk for health disparities.
- Indicator 7 (K-12): Identify three credible, medically accurate, youth-friendly resources that can provide information or support related to sexual orientation.
- Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons.
- Indicator 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons. (S)
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three health (e.g. physical, social and/or emotional) and/or academic benefits of sex education for young people
Askable Adult: Talking to Teens About Tough Topics
In this training, participants will improve their skills in talking with adolescents about delicate topics and answering sensitive questions. By becoming an Askable Adult, participants will gain essential tools to support teens in making healthy decisions about relationships, love, and sex.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three distinguishing characteristics between healthy and unhealthy relationships, involving family, friends, and/or romantic partners.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Explain three ways that healthy relationships can positively impact personal well-being.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to effectively respond to three different types of challenging questions. (S)
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain the differences between personal and universal values relating to sexuality.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Describe how verbal and nonverbal expression of personal values, and comfort with topics related to sex education, could impact one’s teaching
Virtual PD - Trauma Informed Sex Education
Virtual Professional Development is a simulated classroom where teachers can practice teaching student avatars using short scenarios and support from an instructional coach, so they can quickly learn and master the skills they most need to be effective. With upper elementary, middle and high school classrooms, Virtual PD has scenarios for teachers of all grade levels across a wide range of topics aligned with the Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE). You can watch the video here (link is external) to learn more about Virtual PD.
Using the Virtual Professional Development classroom simulator, the educator will practice implementing Trauma Informed Sex Education with the student avatars. In this scenario, the educator will introduce the topic of consent with five students. They will facilitate a myth vs fact activity by reading various statements aloud, allowing time for students to decide whether each statement is a myth or a fact. The participant will need to demonstrate three strategies of a trauma-informed approach to sex education and explain the differences between positive vs. shaming approaches when teaching.
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Describe three elements of a trauma-informed approach to sex education.
Navigating the complexities of sexual health education policies can be challenging, but with EyesOpenIowa by your side, you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced team is here to help you develop, refine, and implement policies that align with best practices, legal requirements, and the unique needs of your community.
Customized Policy Development We work with you to create tailored policies that reflect your organization’s values and objectives. Whether you’re establishing new guidelines or updating existing ones, we ensure your policies are comprehensive, inclusive, and compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
Alignment with Legal and Educational Standards Our experts help you navigate state and federal mandates, ensuring your policies meet all legal requirements while supporting effective sexual health education. We provide clear, actionable guidance to keep your organization in full compliance.
Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Policies We specialize in crafting policies that promote inclusivity and cultural responsiveness. Our team ensures your policies address the needs of all students, including those from diverse backgrounds and LGBTQ+ communities, fostering an environment of respect and equity.
Ongoing Support and Consultation Policy development is an ongoing process, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team offers continuous consultation and review services, helping you adapt to new challenges and opportunities as they arise.
Partner with EyesOpenIowa to create policies that not only meet legal standards but also empower your educators and students. Our customized, expert-driven approach ensures your policies are effective, inclusive, and sustainable.
Additional Trainings offered by out-of-state organizations
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GSM, LGBTQ+, GSRD
Many students in our schools identify as a gender or sexual minority. A 2020 survey found that 40% of LGBTQ respondents seriously considered attempting suicide in the past twelve months, with more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth having seriously considered suicide (Trevor Project, 2020). Participants will identify ways to support gender and sexual minorities in their schools and learn skills for being a more inclusive educator.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain how availability of supportive school staff, presence of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), LGBQ-inclusive curricular resources, and the presence of comprehensive, enumerated anti-harassment school policies are related to improved school climate for students of all sexual orientations.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Define sexual orientation and sexual identity, including that everyone has both.
- Indicator 3 (6-12): Explain the difference between sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and sexual identity.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate the use of inclusive and affirming language. (S)
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to intervene effectively in homophobic and other bullying comments and actions. (S)
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain three ways that LGBQ+ youth are at disproportionate risk for health disparities.
- Indicator 7 (K-12): Identify three credible, medically accurate, youth-friendly resources that can provide information or support related to sexual orientation.
- Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain how availability of supportive school staff, presence of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), gender-inclusive curricular resources, and the presence of comprehensive enumerated anti-harassment school policies are related to improved school climate for students of all gender identities.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the use of inclusive and affirming language. (S)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Define gender identity and sex assigned at birth.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Explain how gender identity and gender expression are distinct from each other and from sexual orientation.
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to intervene effectively in transphobic, sexist, misogynistic and other gender-related bullying comments and actions. (S)
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain three ways that transgender and gender expansive youth are at disproportionate risk for health disparities.
- Indicator 7 (K-12): Identify three credible, medically accurate, youth-friendly resources that can provide information or support related to transgender and gender expansive people.





