Creating a trauma-informed learning environment requires more than understanding the principles—it takes intentional practice, reflection, and skilled facilitation. This highly interactive Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) builds on the knowledge gained in the Teaching from a Trauma-Informed Lens self-paced course, helping participants develop the practical skills needed to facilitate sexuality education in ways that foster safety, trust, connection, and belonging.
Delivered over five weeks, this 12-hour cohort-based training combines four live Zoom sessions, guided reflection, independent practice, and collaborative learning to strengthen trauma-informed facilitation skills. Working alongside an experienced facilitator and supportive learning community, you’ll practice creating psychologically safe learning environments, recognizing behaviors that may reflect trauma responses, responding with empathy and emotional validation, and applying trauma-informed strategies that support learner engagement while maintaining appropriate educator boundaries.
The course culminates in an immersive practice and coaching session using the Advocates for Youth Virtual Classroom, where participants facilitate sexuality education with AI-powered student avatars in realistic classroom scenarios. Through individualized coaching and feedback, you’ll strengthen your ability to respond thoughtfully to challenging situations, adapt your facilitation in the moment, and confidently apply trauma-informed practices in classrooms, organizations, and community settings.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
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Create learning environments that reflect the principles of trauma-informed practice.
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Facilitate sexuality education using trauma-informed strategies that promote safety, trust, connection, and learner engagement.
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Recognize physical, verbal, and behavioral responses that may indicate a learner is experiencing the effects of trauma.
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Practice responding to potential trauma responses with empathy, emotional validation, and appropriate educator boundaries.
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Apply trauma-informed facilitation techniques that support learners while maintaining intended learning outcomes.
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Adapt facilitation strategies to respond to learners’ needs while preserving a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.
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Demonstrate self-awareness and self-regulation strategies when facilitating sensitive topics and responding to challenging situations.
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Practice trauma-informed facilitation skills in realistic classroom scenarios using the Advocates for Youth Virtual Classroom and integrate coaching feedback to strengthen instructional practice.
Prerequisite
Participants must complete the Teaching from a Trauma-Informed Lens self-paced course prior to the first live session. This foundational course is included with registration and provides the content knowledge needed to fully engage in the skill-building activities throughout the Virtual Instructor-Led Training.