This workshop will teach participants about the fundamentals of sexual orientation, gender identity, and how to ensure that all young people and their families feel welcome and included in our classrooms and programs. The first part of the workshop will provide basic information about sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as dispel common myths. The second part of the workshop will focus on ways to create safe learning environments for students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (LGBT) or whose family members might be. It will also provide concrete lessons for teaching LGBT issues directly to young people. This workshop can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your group, school, or agency. All content is aligned with the National Sexuality Education Standards, National Teacher Preparation Standards for Sexuality Education, and the Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education
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 86 - 90 of 154Working with LGBTQ Youth
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 7 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to analyze and tailor lesson plans to match the age, developmental stages, cultural backgrounds, and other identities of students. (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 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 7 (K-12): Identify three credible, medically accurate, youth-friendly resources that can provide information or support related to transgender and gender expansive people.
Cardea facilitates the development and implementation of effective policies to support comprehensive sexual health education and related student health. Our policy work is based on our extensive experience in sexual and reproductive health, within the context of equity and social justice, and our experiences working directly with teachers, school districts, and state and local education agencies.
At the national level, Cardea collaborates with partner organizations in developing practical sexual health education guidance that is foundational to the development of effective policies. At the state level, Cardea is able to support policy development by providing insight into issues impacting districts, teachers, and parents, then supporting the direct implementation of adopted policies, through convening peer-learning communities, technical assistance and training. At the community level, Cardea supports implementation efforts through parent information and education.
Virtual PD - Culturally Responsive Instruction 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 Culturally Responsive Instruction When Teaching Sex Education with the student avatars. In this scenario, the educator is teaching a lesson on different kinds of families with their students. After allowing students time to list their own ideas, the educator asks students to engage in a think/pair/share activity to see if they can add to their lists. They then facilitate a brainstorm activity about different kinds of families. In this simulation with five students, the participant will need to demonstrate three strategies for creating culturally responsive classrooms.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies for creating culturally responsive classrooms. (S)
At EyesOpenIowa, we specialize in helping educators, schools, and organizations deliver accurate, inclusive, and policy-aligned sexual health education. With decades of experience, our dedicated training and leadership teams work closely with you to develop a customized plan that meets your specific needs. Here's how we can support you:
Curriculum Alignment to Policies and Standards We ensure your curriculum is fully aligned with state and federal policies, as well as the latest educational standards, so your program is compliant and impactful.
Curriculum Development We collaborate with you to create a robust, tailored curriculum that incorporates the latest research and best practices, ensuring it is both effective and engaging.
Curriculum Review for Cultural and LGBTQ Inclusivity Our team assesses your content for cultural relevance and LGBTQ inclusivity, providing recommendations that foster an environment of respect and understanding for all students.
Curriculum Review for Medical Accuracy We verify the medical accuracy of your curriculum, ensuring all health-related content is up-to-date and evidence-based, promoting healthy decision-making.
Scope and Sequence Development and Review We help you develop or refine your scope and sequence to ensure learning objectives are met in a logical, structured manner, maximizing educational impact.
Partner with EyesOpenIowa to elevate your curriculum with customized, expert support, ensuring it is comprehensive, inclusive, and meets the highest standards of educational excellence.
Virtual PD - Creating LBGQ Inclusive Classrooms
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 to learn more about Virtual PD.
Using the Virtual Professional Development simulated classroom, the educator will practice Creating LGBQ Inclusive Classrooms with the student avatars. In this VPD scenario, the participant will need to demonstrate the use of inclusive and affirming language and the ability to intervene effectively in homophobic and other bullying comments and actions. The educator will introduce the topic of STDs and ask each student to share one behavior they have heard that can place someone at risk for getting an STD. This scenario can be used with high school or middle school students.
- 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)
Additional Trainings offered by out-of-state organizations
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Screen Time, Safety and Burnout – Teachers and Students
Transitioning our work and school to a virtual setting has led to less engagement, but virtual spaces can promote connection as well. The human brain is wired for connection, and many are feeling disconnected from their jobs, school, and peers. Join us to discuss tips for preventing burnout and creating and promoting safety during screen time.




