Training & Event Calendar

Unlock Your Potential.

Transform Sex Ed.

Ready to build confidence, boost your skills, and stand out as a trusted, transformative educator?

EyesOpenIowa offers dynamic, inclusive, and research-based trainings designed for educators, health professionals, and advocates who are serious about leveling up.

Whether you’re looking to earn your Certified Sexual Health Educator (CHSE) certification, refresh your toolkit with real-world strategies, strengthen your professional resume, or gain confidence tackling tough conversations...

You’re in the right place.

🎯 All trainings are built to engage adult learners with actionable tools, peer connection, and expert-led instruction. New sessions are added regularly; many sell out fast!

💡 Curriculum Trainings Available: Join the Waitlist Today!

We provide training on some of the most widely used and trusted sex ed curriculums in the country: Rights, Respect, Responsibility (3Rs), Draw the Line/Respect the Line (DTL/RTL), and FLASH. Cost: $175 per person.

Training Format & Schedule: Trainings are available virtually or in-person. Registration is open year-round and sessions are scheduled based on demand.

How It Works: We organize curriculum trainings based on interest. When enough people join the waitlist for a given curriculum, we schedule a training date. If you’re eager to get trained sooner, custom sessions for individuals or small groups may also be arranged upon request.

Join the Waitlist or Request a Session. Email us at info@eyesopeniowa.org to get started.

Upcoming Trainings

“Sex Ed Starts at Home” Series: June Session

Topic: Summertime Sadness: Mental Health Tips for Children and Teens

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026     Time: 12:00–12:30 PM CT

Format: Virtual via Zoom     Cost: Free

Long summer days can bring mental health challenges to the surface. Learn signs of stress, depression, and anxiety in youth, and about how to support their emotional wellbeing over the summer months.

Awkward to Awesome: Core Skills

Date: Monday, June 29, 2026 Time: 9:00am-4:00 PM CT

Format: In-Person at EyesOpenIowa in West Des Moines, IA Cost: $200

From uncomfortable to unstoppable: gain the skills every sex educator needs.

This dynamic, in-person training builds your confidence and competence in navigating the most challenging parts of sex ed facilitation. Designed to equip educators, health professionals, and youth-serving adults with the foundational skills to deliver inclusive, shame-free sex education, Awkward to Awesome: Core Skills focuses on how to handle sensitive questions, set boundaries, and manage personal disclosure.

Whether you're just getting started or want a skills refresh, this session will help you shift from awkward to authentic—without losing impact.

You’ll walk away with:

• Practical strategies to handle tough or inappropriate questions

• Clear guidance on professional boundaries and values-neutral responses

• Inclusive facilitation techniques for diverse youth audiences

• Tools to support medically accurate and youth-centered dialogue

This training fulfills a core requirement for Certified Sexual Health Educator (CSHE) designation and is always scheduled alongside Sex Ed Staples: Core Content. We strongly recommend registering for both sessions to get the most comprehensive training experience.

Sex Ed Staples: Core Content

Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Time: 9:00-4:00 AM CT

Format: In-person at EyesOpenIowa in West Des Moines, IA Cost: $200

Master the foundational knowledge behind high-quality sexual health education.

Sex Ed Staples: Core Content provides participants with a solid foundation in what effective, inclusive, and legally compliant sex education looks like. This training is ideal for new educators, youth program staff, health professionals, or anyone delivering sex ed content who wants a refresher on the basics.

We cover critical content areas, bust common myths, and introduce best practices to ensure you're delivering accurate, age-appropriate, and culturally responsive information.

You’ll walk away with:

• A working knowledge of core sex ed concepts, terms, and principles

• Up-to-date legal and policy guidance relevant to Iowa educators

• Overview of the National Sex Ed Standards and implementation tips

• Ready-to-use strategies and sample activities for classroom or community settings

This training fulfills a core requirement for Certified Sexual Health Educator (CSHE) designation and is always scheduled alongside Awkward to Awesome: Core Skills. We highly recommend registering for both sessions to round out your knowledge and facilitation toolkit.

Our Summer/Fall Training Calendar is Coming Soon! Check back soon for upcoming professional development opportunities, Lunch-N-Learns, curriculum trainings, and special events.

Who should attend EOI Trainings?

• Community-based educators

• Clinic-based educators

• Health teachers

• Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teachers

• School nurses

• Physical education teachers

• School counselors

• Curriculum leads

How Do Lunch-N-Learns Work?

Professional development in bite-sized chunks…on us!

While Lunch-N-Learns are typically held on the first Tuesday of each month from 12:00pm-12:30pm CT and from 6:00pm-6:30pm CT, dates & times may vary.

Our Lunch-N-Learns are dynamic, concise Zoom sessions packed with valuable education related to adolescent sexual health. They're designed to empower youth-serving professionals, educators, healthcare workers, college students, and any adults passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.

Each session is offered at two convenient times:

• Afternoon session: 12:00 to 12:30 PM CT

• Evening session: 6:00 to 6:30 PM CT

Both times are live, interaction-optional sessions filled with robust information. Choose the time that fits your schedule best!

Why Should I Join In?

• Engaging Content
  Dive into relevant topics that offer practical tools and insights you can apply immediately.

• Flexible and Convenient
  Join us during your lunch break or catch the evening session; our sessions fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.

• No Cost
  All Lunch-N-Learns are provided free of charge, thanks to our generous donors.

• Relaxed Atmosphere
  Munch, crunch, and enjoy your meal! There's no pressure to contribute or have your camera on. Participation is optional; you can choose to engage or simply listen in.

• Professional Development
  Enhance your credential; most sessions count as 0.5 hours towards Certified Sexual Health Educator (CSHE) initial and re-certification. Click here to learn more about becoming CSHE certified.

How Do I Join In?

• Pre-registration is required. Scroll up to view the training calendar and select your session to get registered. You will receive a Zoom link via email.

Cancellation/Postponement Policy

EyesOpenIowa reserves the right to cancel a training or event if we do not reach the minimum number of participants to make the event viable by the registration closing date. In the event that we cancel a training, we will notify you using the email you used during registration and refund your full registration amount using the same method you used for payment.

In the event of inclement weather we will work to reschedule the training. If we must cancel due to weather, we will contact you via the information you provided on your registration form.

Full refunds will be provided to registrants who provide at least one week’s notice of cancellation prior to training. No refunds will be given after that time.

Note: Accessibility accommodations are available. Please email info@eyesopeniowa.org at least two weeks prior to your session.