Teaching about sexuality: Balancing contradictory social messages with professional standards

Human sexuality is taught in a number of public middle and high schools within the United States. Teachers report less professional preparation and training in this area and difficulties associated with teaching what is considered to be a sensitive subject. In the current paper, we review the nature by which sexuality education is positioned within school systems. With the goal of providing support to front-line teachers and professionals-in-training, we then discuss how the professional standards from various disciplines support both the inclusion of sexuality education and those who teach it. We suggest that providing support for human sexuality teachers may be found from the professional associations they develop with other sexuality teachers. To that end, we encourage sexuality professionals to bridge relationships with teachers who seek professional resources and personal encouragement from sexuality scientists and educators.