Awkward to Awesome: Core Skills

Gain essential skills to teach engaging, inclusive sexual health education.

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"Awkward to Awesome: Core Skills" is a dynamic online course designed to equip educators, parents, and healthcare professionals with the practical skills and strategies needed to deliver effective sexual health education. Developed by EyesOpenIowa, this course focuses on the "how-to" aspects of teaching sexual education, offering a comprehensive toolkit for creating engaging and informative lessons.

Through a series of interactive modules, participants will learn essential communication techniques, effective lesson planning strategies, and best practices for addressing sensitive topics. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to teaching sexual health, this course will empower you to navigate challenging conversations with confidence and compassion.

Join us on this transformative journey as we explore the core skills needed to deliver impactful sexual health education and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual well-being.


Frequently Asked Questions


Who is this course for?
This course is designed for sexual health educators, healthcare professionals, persons in youth-serving roles, college students, and any adults interested in learning about essential topics in adolescent sexual health education.
How do I become a Certified Sexual Health Educator (CSHE)?
Those who successfully complete Awkward to Awesome are well on their way to certification! By completing our core trainings, Awkward to Awesome and Sex Ed Staples, learners will gain comprehensive knowledge of how to teach and what to teach when it comes to adolescent sexual health education. Learn more about the program and view the other program requirements on our website, eyesopeniowa.org
Is this course suitable for begininers?
Yes, this course is suitable for beginners. It provides foundational knowledge and understanding of sexual health topics.
What will I learn in this course?
In the "Awkward to Awesome: Core Skills" course, you will learn practical and effective strategies for teaching sexual health education with confidence and competence. This course focuses on the "how-to" aspects of sex education, providing you with the skills and tools needed to deliver engaging and informative lessons. From communication techniques to lesson planning, you will gain valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your teaching practice and make a positive impact in the lives of your students.
Is there a time limit to complete the course?
No, there is no time limit. You can complete the course at your own pace and revisit the content as needed. Information from the course is best retained as a whole, and for that reason, we recommend participants aim to complete the course within a one-week period.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the course?
Yes, upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Is there a refund policy?
We want to make sure that all registrants are pleased with the quality of our digital products. If there are concerns, please reach out via email so that we can best serve you.
How do I enroll in the course?
To enroll in the course, simply click the "Enroll Now" button on the sales page and follow the instructions to complete the enrollment process.

Course Curriculum


  Welcome and introduction
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  Basics of Effective Sex Education
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  Core Skills for sex education
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Your Instructor


Emily Gillon
Emily Gillon

Emily Miller is the Director of Training at EyesOpenIowa, the state-wide leader in Iowa for adolescent sexual health. Emily oversees the Eyes Open Academy and Sexual Health Educator Certification Program, training educators, other professionals, parents and caregivers, and advocates of all ages on a wide variety of topics and curricula. She also travels across the country training sexual health educators and trainers on sex education best practices and skill development. Prior to her work as a trainer, Emily implemented sex education in classrooms and colleges across Iowa. Outside of training rooms, Emily partners with local faith communities to encourage and facilitate sex education and resources.


Looking to take this course in-person, or need training on another topic for yourself or a group? Visit our website to view our training calendar and explore our comprehensive list of available topics.