SLI specializes in sexual health education workshops based on empowerment of teachers and professionals in acquiring competency and comfort in their ability to teach sexual health education, providing evidence-based curriculum and innovative teaching/learning methods.

Julia Saunders, Director, believes in teaching comprehensive sexual health education focused on dialogue and real tools to apply to healthy sexuality, over the life span.  Holistic, distinctive and innovative ways of teaching will provide lasting results in the common goal of sexual health for young people.

SLI trains teachers to be comfortable with the topic of human sexuality and feel competent teaching it to their students. All teachers would do well to have tools to teach anti-oppressively and about sexuality and relationships, for example, seeing and knowing what to do with 'teachable moments' in an every-day classroom experience. Those teachers in charge of covering health curriculum deserve to have what they need to feel competent and teach this sensitive topic effectively.

There are few opportunities for teachers or professionals working with youth to learn how to be sexual health educators, or to 'Be Approachable'. SLI offers engaging and entertaining professional development workshops using evidence-based knowledge and innovative teaching and learning methods.

A critical piece of every program that prepares our teachers to teach in the K-12 system is information about young people’s sexuality and sexual and social development. Teaching and preparing our future teachers to know what to expect around puberty, gender identity, sexuality, and developing relationships is crucial. Also, Canadian educational institutions must provide comprehensive sexual health education (SHE) as a most basic part of adolescent health care and education (SIECAN, 2008; Health Canada, 2003 & 2008). It would be beneficial for all teachers to undergo at least one course in their B.Ed. or undergrad that addresses personal and educational needs and issues for youth.

It is appropriate and logical to provide this training in pre-service education, however, this is being done only a small percentage of the time across the country. SLI provides this training in a short series of workshops for the BEd programs in our universities.

Please be in touch with us to find out more.

Schools are in a unique position of having meaningful contact with nearly every young person in BC. They have a critically important opportunity to provide youth with the skills and knowledge they require to navigate and act on decisions that develop their identity and health over their lifetime (Options for Sexual Health, 2004).

Your administration works hard to support the students and teachers in your schools. Be in contact regarding sexual health education training for your teachers in service.