Why do we need to use a variety of teaching strategies when teaching sex education? Which ones work best, and why? What can go wrong, and what can we do about it? This training will help instructors answer all of these questions, and feel more competent in delivering engaging and interactive 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 136 - 140 of 154Teaching Strategies for Sex Education
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to build rapport with students. (S)
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three student-centered instructional approaches that support a variety of learning styles. (S)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the differences between positive vs. shaming approaches to teaching sex education.
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three effective strategies for practicing skills with students.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain three reasons why it is important to respond to every question students ask when teaching sex education.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to effectively respond to three different types of challenging questions. (S)
Managing Sensitive Issues: Effectively Responding to Controversy
Educators and others who work with youth often feel anxious about addressing sensitive issues—such as topics associated with strong personal values—in the classroom, whether they are part of a curriculum or surface in a general class discussion. Sexuality, alcohol and other drugs, politics, race, and bullying are just a few examples of issues that, if not handled sensitively, could result in alienated students or angry parents contacting the school or agency. The most common topic targeted in this training is sexuality education, but the focus can be adjusted based on participants' needs. Participants identify the sensitive topics they face in their workplace and have the opportunity to assess their personal values, consider student diversity, and build the skills needed to answer difficult questions. The facilitator shares a set of proven strategies for responding to questions related to sensitive topics and harassing/bullying statements, and participants practice effective responses to build their skills.
Objectives of this course:
- Identify a range of personal and community-based values.
- Explore a set of effective facilitation techniques for addressing difficult issues.
- Practice using the techniques to effectively answer a variety of difficult questions.
- Practice using the techniques to effectively respond to harassing/bullying comments.
- Develop a personal plan of action to master the facilitation practices.
Visit ETR's Training & TA Form to submit your request and receive cost information.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to build rapport with students. (S)
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three student-centered instructional approaches that support a variety of learning styles. (S)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the differences between positive vs. shaming approaches to teaching sex education.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain three reasons why it is important to respond to every question students ask when teaching sex education.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to effectively respond to three different types of challenging questions. (S)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the importance of educators refraining from sharing their personal values when implementing sex education.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to respond effectively to students’ values-based comments and questions. (S)
Virtual PD - Student Centered Learning 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 implementing Student Centered Learning When Teaching Sex Education with the student avatars. In this scenario, the educator will be modifying an activity that teaches their students how to use condoms correctly for varying learning styles. Participants are encouraged to stretch to use a learning style different from those they are personally strong at. Key content and ideas for adaptations are included in the short video educators should watch prior to the simulation so they can be prepared to use their adaptations.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three student-centered instructional approaches that support a variety of learning styles. (S)
Virtual PD - Climate Setting 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 implementing Climate Setting When Teaching Sex Education with the student avatars. In this scenario, the educator will be meeting with their class for the first time. In this simulation with the five students, the participant will create ground rules, explain why they are needed when teaching sexuality education and reference them when needed. The participant will need to demonstrate the ability to use climate-setting strategies to foster a safe and productive learning environment.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (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.
Additional Trainings offered by out-of-state organizations
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MOASH provides support with policy development, interpretation, and implementation at the state, school district, and K–12 school building levels. Policy topics include primarily sexual health education, sexual and reproductive health rights, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion and affirmation. MOASH works alongside communities to address their unique concerns and needs. Support may include technical assistance, training, and resources. For more information about policy assistance, please contact MOASH’s Advocacy Director, Kelly Stec at kelly.stec@moash.org




