In 2011 the Nebraska Department of Education partnered with the University of Nebraska Omaha to develop and deliver a LGBTQ Sensitivity Training for educators. The purpose of the training is to provide participants with a broad understanding of the experiences of LGBTQ youth, LGBTQ youth development, and strategies for working with and supporting LGBTQ youth in both schools and community settings ultimately creating a more supportive environment for students of non-heterosexual orientations. The training curriculum developed has been entitled More than a Letter: An Introduction to Working with LGBTQ Youth.
The training was piloted in April when it was presented to members of the Nebraska Department of Education HIV Cadre and Materials Review Panel. Individuals of those two groups in attendance included a college instructor, a college and public school nurse, an educator from an alternative school for at-risk youth, public schools teachers of Health Education, Family Consumer Science, and Physical Activity, a person living with AIDS, the NDE Coordinated School Health Director and support staff. In September of 2011 the More than a Letter: An Introduction to Working with LGBTQ Youth training curriculumwas offered as a breakout session at a statewide youth risk behaviors conference sponsored by NDE. Other breakout sessions available included: HIV, bullying, teen suicide, dating violence and cyber bullying. Approximately 170 individuals from all over the state of Nebraska attended the one-day event representing public schools, colleges, health and non-profit organizations. At the request of a group of school counselors from rural Nebraska, the More than a Letter: An Introduction to Working with LGBTQ Youth curriculum training will be offered again in February 2012.
Chris Junker
chris.junker@nebraska.gov
www.education.ne.gov
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