SIECUS’ policy team brings to bear 55 years of research-based expertise on comprehensive sex education to ensure that public policies reflect best practices and current research in support of our nation’s young people. Our agenda is simple: SIECUS advances comprehensive sexuality education as a means of building a foundation for a long-term culture shift that will positively impact all levels of society, particularly issues of gender equity, sexuality, sexual and reproductive health, consent, personal safety, and autonomy. Through technical assistance to states, SIECUS’ staff support states in educating advocates and policymakers about providing rights-based sexuality information and education at the federal, state, and local levels and leading, strengthening, and developing partnerships with other organizations, coalitions, and initiatives to advance policies that promote positive sexual and reproductive health outcomes across the lifespan. Technical assistance is focused on meeting a state’s immediate needs in a timely way.
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 66 - 70 of 154LGBTQ+ 101
How can sex educators ensure that students of all sexualities and genders feel 'seen' and affirmed? This training will cover the basic knowledge instructors need to feel competent leading discussions and answering questions, and will help build skills to create inclusive environments.
- 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 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons. (S)
- 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.
- Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of transgender and gender expansive people in lessons.
- Indicator 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to make lessons affirming for transgender and gender expansive people. (S)
Human Trafficking 101
This is the first in a series of eLearning units focused on human trafficking. Subsequent units include content specifically for medical providers, educators, parents, caregivers, faith-based professionals, and other youth-serving professionals to better understand the role they can take in addressing sex and labor trafficking. Via an interactive, self-paced unit, participants will explore critical elements of sex and labor trafficking and steps they can take to support victims and survivors in your community. This unit promotes learning though stories, activities, and short quizzes.
Through Healthy Teen Network’s partnership with the University of Maryland School of Social Work’s Prevention of Adolescent Risk Initiative, we are pleased to share resources on human trafficking. Although these resources are focused on specifics for the state of Maryland, anyone from any state can learn about human trafficking as well.
Virtual PD - Building Rapport With Students When Teaching 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 Building Rapport With Students When Teaching Sex Education with the student avatars. In this scenario, the educator will teach a lesson on relationships as they try and build a rapport with a relatively new class. After engaging students in a self-reflection activity with prepared questions, they ask students to turn & talk with a partner to share their responses. They then facilitate a share out among the whole class. In this simulation with five students, the participant will need to demonstrate the ability to build rapport with students and intervene in homophobic and other bullying comments and actions when they arise.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to build rapport with students. (S)
Reaching the Adult Learner: The Science & Art of Masterful Facilitation
This session is intended for those who work with adult learners who wish to create a powerful learning environment that results in clients taking action. With adult learners, it’s often clear what to present, but how to present it may be more challenging. Participants explore the latest in professional development research, learning theory, and brain research as it relates to adult learners to understand how the human brain acquires, retains, and applies information. They examine proven models and strategies for designing effective events, facilitating diverse groups, and motivating learners to take action. Additionally, in the longer session, participants review and practice best strategies for managing and preventing difficult training issues, including resistant or unengaged participants.
Objectives of this course:
- Describe the research-based elements of effective training design and delivery.
- Identify best practices for reaching adult learners.
- Adopt a variety of facilitation techniques and strategies that engage and motivate learners.
- Employ strategies to manage discouraged and/or resistant participants.
- Identify resources for further study and practice.
- Initiate a personal plan of action to strengthen their facilitation skills.
Visit ETR's Training & TA Form to submit your request and receive cost information.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three student-centered instructional approaches that support a variety of learning styles. (S)
- Indicator 4 (6-12): Demonstrate how to use the experiential learning cycle when teaching. (S)
Additional Trainings offered by out-of-state organizations
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How to Choose a Curriculum
There are many options for sex education curricula; it can be overwhelming. Participants will discuss district wants and needs and various curriculum options to decide which curriculum is a good fit.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Describe state and/or district laws, policies, and standards that relate to sex education where one teaches.




