What is the need?
Research shows that comprehensive sexuality education is effective in providing adolescents with the tools, knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to make responsible choices about their sexual health. School-based sex education is supported by a majority of parents, teachers, and experts; but unfortunately, many young people do not get this critical information. In Minnesota, there are no statewide sexual health education standards and no state-required trainings or certifications to teach sexual health education in the classrooms. In order to achieve the best outcomes for health promotion, young people need to be taught by educators who are trained, comfortable, and enthusiastic.

Over the past several years, The Birds & Bees Project has been working on a new initiative toincrease the capacity of teachers in our state. In addition to offering professional development to teachers at workshops and conferences, we are committed to providing training and support to pre-service teachers on college campuses.

Shadowing Program
This one-day opportunity offers college students in Minnesota a “day in the life” observation of a community health educator or classroom teacher who provides instruction on sexual health to middle or high school youth. This experience will allow students to learn more about the field of sexuality education, introduce them to a professional who works with middle or high school aged youth, and help them gain a better understanding of what it means to deliver effective sexuality education.

The shadowing program is open to students who would consider teaching sexuality education as a classroom teacher, community health educator, social worker, or school nurse in a middle or high school setting, regardless of major. Sites for the Shadowing Program are available in the Twin Cities metro area and St. Cloud. We hope to add opportunities in the Mankato area soon. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation.

To apply for the Shadowing Program or learn more about any of these opportunities, apply online or contact Amy Kodet, Program Coordinator at akodet@birdsandbees.org or 612-825-2000.

Sexuality Education Residency
The Sexuality Education Residency is a unique opportunity for college students in Minnesota to gain extensive training in delivering sexuality education for middle and high school aged youth. Participants can earn a $1,000 stipend upon completion, and may arrange for academic credit through their university. This program requires a time commitment approximately equal to a 2 credit class.

The next Sexuality Education Residency will occur in February – May 2010 and includes four components:
1) A 35-hour training held on February 20-21, and 27-28, 2010
2) A 20-hour field experience paired with a health educator
3) Participation in 3 half-day seminars
4) Optional conference attendance

The ideal candidate will be an Education Major at a Minnesota college or university with an interest in teaching sexuality education to middle or high-school age youth in their future career as a classroom teacher. Education Majors focusing in all subjects (including Health, Physical Education, FACS, English, Social Studies, Biology and other Science disciplines, etc.) are encouraged to apply. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome.

Up to 14 students will be selected for the Residency in Spring 2010. The training, seminars, and field experience placements are located in the Twin Cities metro area. Students must be available for all training dates, and are responsible for arranging their own transportation.

Applications will be reviewed beginning Monday, January 4, 2010. We will continue to accept applications until spaces are filled. Please submit your application early in order to ensure being considered.

Students who are interested can download the informational packet or the application. Contact Amy Kodet with questions.

Past participants said:
“This was a great experience and completely changes the way I will teach.”
“I can't tell you how much I learned from all of these experiences!  I am so much more excited to teach and advocate for comprehensive sex education in our school systems!”
“I loved the field experience – working directly with youth was so helpful!” 


Campus Organizing
The Birds & Bees Project is working on three campuses: Augsburg College, Minnesota State University-Mankato, and St. Cloud State University. A student from each college is hired each year for a Campus Organizer internship or part-time job. Together, Birds & Bees staff and campus organizers reach out to university faculty, education students, and community members to generate support for comprehensive sex education.

Activities on each campus and in surrounding communities include:
- Hosting free events and speakers on sexual health topics
- Promoting opportunities for shadowing sexuality educators or classroom teachers
- Organizing a student group on campus

If you are a student, faculty, or community member at SCSU, MSU, or Augsburg and would like to be involved, please contact Amy Kodet at akodet@birdsandbees.org or 612-825-2000, who will connect you with the local Campus Organizer.

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