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Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts

Organization Data

General Information

The mission of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) is to protect and promote sexual and reproductive health and freedom of choice by providing clinical services, education and advocacy. Our vision is that sexual health is essential to every person's well-being. At PPLM, we envision a future where sexual health is a personal and public health priority. We are working to normalize sexual health through our education programs and a public awareness campaign designed to get people talking about what sexual health is, what it means to be sexually healthy, and the changes we need to improve sexual health in our culture.

Services Provided: 
Trainings
States: 
Massachusetts
Trainings

Sexuality Education Tools for the IDD Community

All people deserve access to medically accurate and developmentally appropriate information related to their sexuality and sexual health. Yet often, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are not included in sex education. Training participants will have an opportunity to identify and examine values, practice intentional language, work on concrete skills for adapting lesson plans, share challenges and successes, and learn best practices for implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) through lecture, peer-to-peer conversation, modeling, and skill-building activities. This full-day, interactive training was informed by a team of multi-disciplinary experts and a focus-group of youth self-advocates. We hope you can join us for this brand-new training intended for educators, service providers, and anyone who is working directly with individuals with IDD. Registration link here.

Online
Cost -
$195
Length -
6 hours
Age Group(s) -
Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) -
Consent and interpersonal and sexual violence, Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Disclosure, Effective teaching strategies, Healthy relationships, Responding to challenging questions, Sex education in schools, Values
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Consent, Interpersonal and Sexual Violence Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Define consent.
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Explain why consent is a fundamental right for people of all ages.
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Differentiate between situations in which sexual consent is and is not present.
  • Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain bodily autonomy and how it relates to consent and sexual abuse prevention.
Creating and inclusive and affirming learning environment Indicators
  • 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 4 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies of a trauma-informed approach to sex education (e.g. giving trigger warnings before content on sexual assault and allowing students the right to pass as appropriate, etc.). (S)
Disclosure Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe the importance of teachers’ maintaining professional boundaries when teaching sex education.
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Demonstrate how to reduce the impact of educators’ passive and/or active personal disclosure on the educational environment. (S)
  • Indicator 4 (K-12): Explain the roles and responsibilities of a mandated reporter.
  • Indicator 5 (K-12): Explain the state- and district-mandated reporting requirements and procedures.
Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators
  • 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 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)
Healthy Relationships Indicators
  • 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 3 (K-12): Describe three strategies for teaching students communication skills.
  • Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three ways to help students set and respect personal boundaries in relationships.
Responding to Challenging Questions Indicators
  • 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)
Sex Education In Schools Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three health (e.g. physical, social and/or emotional) and/or academic benefits of sex education for young people
Values Indicators
  • 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
  • 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)

Engaging Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth in Conversations About Sexual Health 

My Life My Choice (MLMC) and Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) have merged their respective expertise in commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and sexuality education to create an evidence, trauma, and survivor-informed training designed to help a wide range of youth service providers use intentional and inclusive language to begin conversations with young people about sex and sexuality that reflects the realities of their lives. Application link here.

Online
Cost -
$225.00
Length -
6 hours
Age Group(s) -
Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) -
Consent and interpersonal and sexual violence, Contraception, pregnancy, and reproduction, Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Disclosure, Effective teaching strategies, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections, Responding to challenging questions, Values
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Consent, Interpersonal and Sexual Violence Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Define consent.
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Explain why consent is a fundamental right for people of all ages.
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Differentiate between situations in which sexual consent is and is not present.
  • Indicator 4 (K-12): Identify three youth-friendly resources to assist survivors of sexual assault, abuse, incest, or domestic violence.
  • Indicator 5 (K-12): Explain sex trafficking and the state laws related to it.
  • Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain bodily autonomy and how it relates to consent and sexual abuse prevention.
  • Indicator 7 (K-12): Explain the impact of childhood trauma on the decision-making and sexual health of students.
Contraception, Pregnancy, and Reproduction Indicators
  • Indicator 3 (6-12): Describe the differences in mechanisms of action and access between emergency contraception and the abortion pill.
Creating and inclusive and affirming learning environment Indicators
  • 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 4 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies of a trauma-informed approach to sex education (e.g. giving trigger warnings before content on sexual assault and allowing students the right to pass as appropriate, etc.). (S)
Disclosure Indicators
  • Indicator 4 (K-12): Explain the roles and responsibilities of a mandated reporter.
  • Indicator 5 (K-12): Explain the state- and district-mandated reporting requirements and procedures.
Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators
  • 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.
HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (6-12): Describe HIV and three common STDs/STIs, and how each can and cannot be transmitted.
  • Indicator 2 (6-12): Explain that many STD/STIs do not cause symptoms and the only way to know if you have one is to be tested.
  • Indicator 3 (6-12): Explain the benefits of getting tested and treated for HIV and other STDs/STIs.
  • Indicator 4 (6-12): Explain three facilitators and three barriers to STD/STI testing and treatment.
  • Indicator 7 (6-12): Identify three medically accurate and youth-friendly resources for STD/STI and HIV prevention, testing, and treatment
Responding to Challenging Questions Indicators
  • 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)
Values Indicators
  • 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
  • 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)

Social Emotional Learning Webinar

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a framework that many schools are using to bolster students' academic achievements as well as their social and emotional skills. Teaching SEL in the context of comprehensive sexuality education can help young people develop the understanding and skills needed to navigate healthy relationships and healthy sexuality throughout their lives. In this webinar, participants will examine SEL foundations and how to utilize core understandings to enhance their sexuality education classrooms, including a focus on decision-making, relationship building and consent. Registration link here. 

Online
Cost -
$25.00
Length -
1 hour
Age Group(s) -
Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) -
Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Effective teaching strategies, Sex education in schools
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Creating and inclusive and affirming learning environment Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators
  • Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three effective strategies for practicing skills with students.
Sex Education In Schools Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three health (e.g. physical, social and/or emotional) and/or academic benefits of sex education for young people

Exploring the Impact of Masculinity on Sexual Health

Far too often, masculine expectations lead those who identify as male to engage in harmful behaviors, including high risk sexual behaviors. Educators, youth workers, and other caring adults frequently see the negative impact of these expectations and struggle to reach male identified folks who are unwilling to seek out and utilize health care services and other support networks. In this workshop, participants will explore and attempt to understand harmful masculine expectations and will leave with strategies for challenging and countering these expectations with the goal of promoting more positive, uplifting expressions of masculinity. Registration link here.

Online
Cost -
$195
Length -
3 hours
Age Group(s) -
Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) -
Conscious and unconscious bias about race, ethnicity, and culture disclosure, Consent and interpersonal and sexual violence, Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Effective teaching strategies, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections, LGBQ+ identities, Racial and reproductive justice, Responding to challenging questions, Sex education in schools
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Conscious and unconscious bias about race, ethnicity, and culture Indicators
  • Indicator 4 (K-12): Describe three strategies to reduce the impact of conscious and unconscious bias and enhance cross-cultural interactions in the classroom when teaching sex education.
Consent, Interpersonal and Sexual Violence Indicators
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Differentiate between situations in which sexual consent is and is not present.
  • Indicator 7 (K-12): Explain the impact of childhood trauma on the decision-making and sexual health of students.
  • Indicator 8 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies to prevent and/or intervene in bullying and teasing. (S)
Creating and inclusive and affirming learning environment Indicators
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies for creating culturally responsive classrooms. (S)
  • Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies of a trauma-informed approach to sex education (e.g. giving trigger warnings before content on sexual assault and allowing students the right to pass as appropriate, etc.). (S)
Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators
  • 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 4 (6-12): Demonstrate how to use the experiential learning cycle when teaching. (S)
  • Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three effective strategies for practicing skills with students.
HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections Indicators
  • Indicator 4 (6-12): Explain three facilitators and three barriers to STD/STI testing and treatment.
LGBQ+ Identities Indicators
  • 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.
Racial and Reproductive Justice Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Define racism (including individual, interpersonal, institutional, ideological, structural, and systemic), racial micro-aggressions, and reproductive justice.
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Name three sexual health inequities and some of their systemic causes (e.g., African American women living with HIV have expressed mistrust toward healthcare professionals, in part, as a result of systemic racism).
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Describe three ways power, privilege, prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes related to age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socio-economic status, immigration status, and/or physical or intellectual ability can impact sexual health and reproductive justice.
  • Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three strategies educators can use to acknowledge and proactively work to mitigate the impact of bias on their students’ sexual health and multiple, intersecting identities.
Responding to Challenging Questions Indicators
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to effectively respond to three different types of challenging questions. (S)
Sex Education In Schools Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three health (e.g. physical, social and/or emotional) and/or academic benefits of sex education for young people

"They Want Me to Teach What?!" Stepping into the Sex Educator Role

This full-day training is for educators who are newly tapped to teach sex education to teach them the necessary foundational skills. We will cover group rights, setting the classroom tone, managing potential challenges, establishing appropriate boundaries, and exploring personal values as they relate to teaching about sexuality. Participants will leave this training with an increase in knowledge, skills, and comfort to successfully teach sex ed. Registration link here.

Online
Cost -
$195.00
Length -
6 hours
Age Group(s) -
Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) -
Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Disclosure, Effective teaching strategies, Responding to challenging questions, Sex education in schools, Values
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Creating and inclusive and affirming learning environment Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies for creating culturally responsive classrooms. (S)
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Describe three elements of a trauma-informed approach to sex education.
  • Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies of a trauma-informed approach to sex education (e.g. giving trigger warnings before content on sexual assault and allowing students the right to pass as appropriate, etc.). (S)
Disclosure Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe the importance of teachers’ maintaining professional boundaries when teaching sex education.
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): List three factors to consider regarding personal disclosure when teaching sex education
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Demonstrate how to reduce the impact of educators’ passive and/or active personal disclosure on the educational environment. (S)
  • Indicator 4 (K-12): Explain the roles and responsibilities of a mandated reporter.
Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators
  • 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.
Responding to Challenging Questions Indicators
  • 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)
Sex Education In Schools Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three health (e.g. physical, social and/or emotional) and/or academic benefits of sex education for young people
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Describe state and/or district laws, policies, and standards that relate to sex education where one teaches.
Values Indicators
  • 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
  • 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)

Examining Sexually Explicit Media: Tools for Conversations with Youth

Sexually Explicit Media (SEM) is one way through which youth are learning about sexuality. Using the lens of media literacy education, this interactive, one-day training will provide educators, youth workers, and professionals with an opportunity to explore how pornography can play a role in young people's sexual development and sexuality, their awareness of gender and gender stereotypes, consent, sexual behavior, bodies and body image, healthy and unhealthy relationships, and sexual identity. Participants will learn strategies to teach critical thinking skills about media literacy, how to discuss SEM with young people, and leave with activities to utilize in the classroom. Registration link here.

Online
Cost -
$195
Length -
6 hours
Age Group(s) -
Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) -
Conscious and unconscious bias about race, ethnicity, and culture disclosure, Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Disclosure, Effective teaching strategies, Healthy relationships, LGBQ+ identities, Responding to challenging questions, Sex education in schools, Values
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Conscious and unconscious bias about race, ethnicity, and culture Indicators
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Describe three impacts that conscious and unconscious bias could have on cross-cultural interactions when teaching sex education.
Creating and inclusive and affirming learning environment Indicators
  • 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 4 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies of a trauma-informed approach to sex education (e.g. giving trigger warnings before content on sexual assault and allowing students the right to pass as appropriate, etc.). (S)
Disclosure Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe the importance of teachers’ maintaining professional boundaries when teaching sex education.
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): List three factors to consider regarding personal disclosure when teaching sex education
Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators
  • 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.
Healthy Relationships Indicators
  • 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 3 (K-12): Describe three strategies for teaching students communication skills.
  • Indicator 4 (K-12): Describe three strategies for incorporating the positive and negative impacts of communicating through technology into lessons on healthy relationships.
  • Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three ways to help students set and respect personal boundaries in relationships.
LGBQ+ Identities Indicators
  • Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons.
Responding to Challenging Questions Indicators
  • 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)
Sex Education In Schools Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three health (e.g. physical, social and/or emotional) and/or academic benefits of sex education for young people
Values Indicators
  • 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
  • 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)

Periods and Wet Dreams: Teaching Puberty in Elementary School

Puberty - a time of great, and sometimes daunting, change for both young people and the adults in their lives. This interactive, full-day training will provide educators, school nurses, youth-serving professionals, and other caring adults with skills and strategies for teaching pubescent youth about their changing bodies, emotional growth, and navigating the path to adulthood in a way that is inclusive of students of all genders and sexual identities. Through a social-emotional learning lens, participants will have an opportunity to engage in lessons and activities that will build their own skills to teach anatomy, menstruation, hygiene, cultivating empathy, and more. Registration link here.

Online
Cost -
$195.00
Length -
6 hours
Age Group(s) -
Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
Topic(s) -
Contraception, pregnancy, and reproduction, Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Effective teaching strategies, Healthy relationships, LGBQ+ identities, Puberty and adolescent development, Responding to challenging questions, Transgender and gender expansive identities, Sex education in schools, Sexual and reproductive anatomy and physiology, Values
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Contraception, Pregnancy, and Reproduction Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (6-12): Explain fertilization, implantation, conception, and how pregnancy occurs.
Creating and inclusive and affirming learning environment Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies for creating culturally responsive classrooms. (S)
  • Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies of a trauma-informed approach to sex education (e.g. giving trigger warnings before content on sexual assault and allowing students the right to pass as appropriate, etc.). (S)
Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators
  • 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 4 (6-12): Demonstrate how to use the experiential learning cycle when teaching. (S)
  • Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three effective strategies for practicing skills with students.
  • Indicator 6 (K-12): Describe three strategies for actively involving parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults in a sex education program.
  • 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)
Healthy Relationships Indicators
  • 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 3 (K-12): Describe three strategies for teaching students communication skills.
  • Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three ways to help students set and respect personal boundaries in relationships.
LGBQ+ Identities Indicators
  • 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 7 (K-12): Identify three credible, medically accurate, youth-friendly resources that can provide information or support related to sexual orientation.
Puberty and Adolescent Development Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe how puberty prepares the human body for the potential to reproduce.
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): List three physical, three social, and three emotional changes that occur during puberty.
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Identify three practices that students can adopt for maintaining healthy habits beginning during puberty.
Responding to Challenging Questions Indicators
  • 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)
Sex Education In Schools Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three health (e.g. physical, social and/or emotional) and/or academic benefits of sex education for young people
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Describe state and/or district laws, policies, and standards that relate to sex education where one teaches.
Sexual & Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-5): Explain the benefits of teaching young children the medically accurate terms for genitals.
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to use medically accurate terms for sexual and reproductive anatomy, including all external genitals. (S)
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the function of the individual sexual and reproductive body parts and how they typically work.
Transgender and Gender Expansive Identities Indicator
  • 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 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)
Values Indicators
  • 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)

Tools for Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Spaces

This full-day training is for professionals committed to creating inclusive spaces for people of all sexual identities and genders. This training covers vocabulary, using gender neutral language and correct pronouns, and answering tough questions, as well as provides opportunities for skill building utilizing real-life examples plus more. Any and all are welcome to attend, including educators, nurses, school nurses, human resource professionals, medical and health providers, disability service providers, youth-serving professionals, law enforcement officers, etc. Registration link here.

Online
Cost -
$195.00
Length -
6 hours
Age Group(s) -
Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) -
Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, LGBQ+ identities, Transgender and gender expansive identities
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Creating and inclusive and affirming learning environment Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
  • Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies of a trauma-informed approach to sex education (e.g. giving trigger warnings before content on sexual assault and allowing students the right to pass as appropriate, etc.). (S)
Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three student-centered instructional approaches that support a variety of learning styles. (S)
  • Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three effective strategies for practicing skills with students.
  • 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)
LGBQ+ Identities Indicators
  • 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)
Transgender and Gender Expansive Identities Indicator
  • 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)

Sexuality Education Cornerstone Seminar

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:

  • Discuss key sexual health topics.
  • Utilize interactive lessons for a variety of topics in sexuality education.
  • Implement teaching strategies that address diverse learning styles and experiences.
  • Answer questions related to sexuality in a non-judgmental, inclusive, and comprehensive manner.
  • List at least three vetted resources for information on sexual health topics.
  • Identify key elements of effective sexuality education.
  • Define Harm Reduction Theory as it relates to sexuality education.
  • Describe the role of facts vs. values, attitudes, and beliefs in teaching and learning about sexuality.

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.

Online
Cost -
$450.00
Length -
18 hours total
Age Group(s) -
Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) -
Consent and interpersonal and sexual violence, Contraception, pregnancy, and reproduction, Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Disclosure, Effective teaching strategies, Healthy relationships, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections, LGBQ+ identities, Puberty and adolescent development, Responding to challenging questions, Transgender and gender expansive identities, Sex education in schools, Sexual and reproductive anatomy and physiology, Values
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Consent, Interpersonal and Sexual Violence Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Define consent.
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Explain why consent is a fundamental right for people of all ages.
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Differentiate between situations in which sexual consent is and is not present.
  • Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain bodily autonomy and how it relates to consent and sexual abuse prevention.
  • Indicator 7 (K-12): Explain the impact of childhood trauma on the decision-making and sexual health of students.
Contraception, Pregnancy, and Reproduction Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (6-12): Explain fertilization, implantation, conception, and how pregnancy occurs.
  • Indicator 2 (6-12): Demonstrate the steps necessary for effective external and internal condom use and how to access condoms. (S)
  • Indicator 3 (6-12): Describe the differences in mechanisms of action and access between emergency contraception and the abortion pill.
  • Indicator 4 (6-12): Explain methods of contraception, including the latest medical advances that are popular among young people.
  • Indicator 5 (6-12): Describe pregnancy options, including parenting, adoption, and abortion.
  • Indicator 6 (6-12): Identify three federal and/or state laws that impact young peoples’ access to effective reproductive and sexual health care (e.g. age of consent for services, confidential access to health care services, and access to condoms)
Creating and inclusive and affirming learning environment Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies for creating culturally responsive classrooms. (S)
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Describe three elements of a trauma-informed approach to sex education.
  • Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies of a trauma-informed approach to sex education (e.g. giving trigger warnings before content on sexual assault and allowing students the right to pass as appropriate, etc.). (S)
Disclosure Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe the importance of teachers’ maintaining professional boundaries when teaching sex education.
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): List three factors to consider regarding personal disclosure when teaching sex education
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Demonstrate how to reduce the impact of educators’ passive and/or active personal disclosure on the educational environment. (S)
  • Indicator 4 (K-12): Explain the roles and responsibilities of a mandated reporter.
Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators
  • 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 4 (6-12): Demonstrate how to use the experiential learning cycle when teaching. (S)
  • Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three effective strategies for practicing skills with students.
  • Indicator 6 (K-12): Describe three strategies for actively involving parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults in a sex education program.
  • 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)
Healthy Relationships Indicators
  • 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 3 (K-12): Describe three strategies for teaching students communication skills.
  • Indicator 4 (K-12): Describe three strategies for incorporating the positive and negative impacts of communicating through technology into lessons on healthy relationships.
  • Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three ways to help students set and respect personal boundaries in relationships.
HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (6-12): Describe HIV and three common STDs/STIs, and how each can and cannot be transmitted.
  • Indicator 2 (6-12): Explain that many STD/STIs do not cause symptoms and the only way to know if you have one is to be tested.
  • Indicator 3 (6-12): Explain the benefits of getting tested and treated for HIV and other STDs/STIs.
  • Indicator 4 (6-12): Explain three facilitators and three barriers to STD/STI testing and treatment.
  • Indicator 5 (6-12): Demonstrate the steps necessary for effective external and internal condom use and how to access condoms. (S).
  • Indicator 6 (6-12): Describe the latest medical advances in HIV and other STDs/STIs prevention and treatment.
  • Indicator 7 (6-12): Identify three medically accurate and youth-friendly resources for STD/STI and HIV prevention, testing, and treatment
LGBQ+ Identities Indicators
  • 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)
Puberty and Adolescent Development Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe how puberty prepares the human body for the potential to reproduce.
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): List three physical, three social, and three emotional changes that occur during puberty.
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Identify three practices that students can adopt for maintaining healthy habits beginning during puberty.
Responding to Challenging Questions Indicators
  • 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)
Sex Education In Schools Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three health (e.g. physical, social and/or emotional) and/or academic benefits of sex education for young people
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Describe state and/or district laws, policies, and standards that relate to sex education where one teaches.
Sexual & Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology Indicators
  • Indicator 1 (K-5): Explain the benefits of teaching young children the medically accurate terms for genitals.
  • Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to use medically accurate terms for sexual and reproductive anatomy, including all external genitals. (S)
  • Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the function of the individual sexual and reproductive body parts and how they typically work.
Transgender and Gender Expansive Identities Indicator
  • 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 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)
Values Indicators
  • 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
  • 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)