After completing the first half of Module 1 in my Sexuality Educator Certification, I want to share what I've learned with you! Not too long ago, I wrote an article about my reasons for pursuing my sexuality educator certification. Join me on my journey with each update I write on each module I complete!
Getting Started with my sexuality educator certification Program
Before starting learning, you must familiarize yourself with the platform you will be using. The site is super easy to maneuver and set up. Your profile will have many features that will let you express who you are to your peers and provide you with fun and valuable information about your progress.
These cool features are
Add links to your social media and professional pages like LinkedIn to your profile.
Achievements on your engagement with the learning material and progress.
You can see your activity on discussions and polls within your profile.
You can see how many hours you have spent studying and learning.
There are even more fun features within the learning material, too!
You can take personalized notes on many texts and articles within each module.
There are short quizzes and open-answer questions to accompany your readings and video lectures, making for a more engaging learning experience.
Discussion tabs are on all material to allow you to communicate and express ideas with your peers.
Module 1, Part 1 of my SHA sex educator certification program
Now that you have your profile set up and know how to use the site, let's learn! Each module and unit contains so much carefully curated information that you can take your time reviewing it all. The first module covers the basics of sex education and our attitude toward sexuality.
Sexual Health Anatomy
Sexual anatomy is one of the most important things to understand when it comes to sexual health and sexuality. Educating yourself on anatomy and how everything works together is a surefire way to understand yourself and any potential partner better you may have! Many of us, including myself, didn't get a good understanding of our bodies during our sex education growing up. This can cause many anxieties and even shame about our bodies and body functions. Even as an adult who thinks I’ve learned everything, I realize I do not know everything. When diving into the material of this unit, I got to understand my body and my partner's body!
Some things I learned
Anatomy of the penis and vagina
Understanding female genital mutilation and the controversy of circumcision
The intersex body and experience
Breaking Down Myths about sexual health
Harmful myths about sexuality haunt us all. SHA is fantastic at dispelling them and discussing the facts! We read research papers and discuss the origins of these myths and what we know to be true. As someone who doesn't have an accredited degree in Psychology or counseling, it surprised me to learn that sexual education and sexuality were glossed over in their education as well. Because of this, our counselors, therapists, and educators are all subject to myths and social influences, just like the rest of us. This is why I love reading research documents and listening to lectures in this program!
Some things I learned
Redefining what sex means
Many sexual practices are not as unusual as you think
Porn addiction and fear-mongering
Sex Positivity
Something significant to me personally was the focus on sex positivity! Sex positivity is key to creating a safe space for learning and self-exploration. In a world that shames many groups of people for their sexuality and sexual expression, it is so important to have that space to foster confidence and growth. Growing up feeling shame about my own body and sexuality is something I hold very dear to me and want to include in any education I provide!
Some things I learned
A focus on inclusive language
Anti-racism in sexual health
Fighting sex shame
My Hopes For The Future as a sex educator
These three topics are just the tip of the iceberg for what you will learn in just half of the first module of the Sexuality Educator Certification! I've learned so much more than I ever thought I would about the very basics of sexuality, and I can't wait to see what's next. As a future sex educator, it is so important to further my understanding. You never truly know what you know until you start teaching. During a time when sexual education is being threatened, it is so important to keep learning and fostering safe learning environments regardless of subject matters!
If you want to get certified, take the SHA Certification Quiz to see which certification is perfect for you! If you already know you want to join me in pursuing your Sexuality Educator Certification, apply here! If you have more questions, send an email to shacertifications@gmail.com
Written by Emily Kane