“We have a responsibility and duty to care for our students as educators," emphasizes Dr. Denise Handlarski, assistant professor in the School of Education at Trent. 

Along with teacher candidates in her alternative settings placement, Sex Education, Professor Handlarski has developed a set of videos and lesson plans for students in grades one through 12, to support teachers and students, covering concepts such as consent, gender, and sexual identity as well as commonly asked questions  

Since the launch of those resources in 2019, thousands have accessed the free resources made available for teachers and students. 

To be launched throughout the fall, these new videos and lessons will support conversations around sexting and online photo sharing, dating and sexual violence, and pregnancy options – particularly vital for students at a time when access to well-informed resources has never been more important. 

“Sex ed saves lives. We know this to be true from research and the lived experience of being that trusted adult for a student who is struggling. Every student deserves to the affirmed and supported. Our teacher candidates are leading the way.” 

Responsive teaching

The resources are intended to be delivered and received in a professional and mature manner, that is not driven by fear and embarrassment. 

“Education is empowerment,” says Prof.Handlarski. “We want our sex ed resource page to be a tool of empowerment for students and teachers. We are all human and experience similar feelings and curiosity about ourselves and others. These topics impact our students, often times negatively because we treat them as taboo. We need to change this narrative.” 

Explore all Sex Education resources for teachers and students from Trent’s School of Education.