Transgender and gender expansive identities

Review basic terms through a social justice lens, learn the impacts of related -isms on youth, and make use of evidence-based tools for supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ youth.

Learn how humans experience and express their sexuality through sensuality, intimacy, identity, behavior, reproduction, and sexualization, and connect the “circles” through individual attitudes, values, and beliefs.

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.

Youth-friendly reproductive resources are important to ensure young people will seek the help and information they need. We will discuss the components of youth-friendly resources, as well as highlight websites, social media pages, phone numbers, local clinics, and apps, including GCAPP’s TMI-Georgia. TMI-Georgia was created by young people for young people to have access in meeting their sexual and reproductive health needs.

Analyze the most recent Minnesota youth sexual health data and trends, compare MN to its regional and national peers, and translate this information into serving youth better. 

Increase your knowledge of the latest sexual and reproductive health practices and research. Participants will learn more about data and trends in adolescent sexual health, explore self-disclosure and professional boundaries, and practice answering tough questions.

Participants review pregnancy, birth, and STI statistics; trends in adolescent pregnancy and sexual behaviors; basics of adolescent growth and development; risk and protective factors associated with adolescent pregnancy; and prevention strategies that work. 

The Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is now partnering with Answer to offer a certificate in Adolescent Sex Education Basics. This fully online, 50-hour, non-credit certificate includes eight dynamic and highly interactive workshops and four cutting-edge virtual classroom simulations. 

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).

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.