One of the driving factors for me entering education was my interest in sexual education and sexual health. As I have moved through my life it has become obvious to me that my own, and many of my peers sexual education was lacking and that there are serious and life long implications from this absence. I think that supporting students to become sexually healthy is a very important part of education and I was interested in developing ways in which all teachers could tackle the subject matter without having to meet sensitive topics head on. 

My inquiry project supports me to engage with the Care and Commitment and Ethical Understanding BC Ministry of Education Standards of Teaching. The Care and Commitment standard is represented through my desire to find strategies to help students, no matter a teacher's discomfort level because it is actually directly in the interest of the student. Sexual health is a very important part of a person's life and students are looking to their teachers for neutral and accurate information. Teachers need to be prepared to support students on their sexual health journey as non judgmental, open and positive role models. This inquiry supports the Ethical Understanding standard because it focuses on how all teachers can be role models for the building of positive relationships. I looked directly into how teachers can contribute to healthy boundaries and relationships in their own classroom as well as to a school environment that builds healthy individuals. 

It was amazing to see all the ways that teachers at Victoria High School are creating environments where students feel comfortable to ask questions, explore important topics and be themselves. I especially loved the use of posters around classrooms to set boundaries for language and inclusion. I was surprised by just how many teachers were made uncomfortable by the topic and uncomfortable by the idea that they contribute to student sexual attitude. This revelation just further supported my idea that teachers need to be better prepared for these challenges. 

I am looking forward to apply all the new strategies to whatever school I end up in. I also hope to become a resource for colleagues and students in whichever school I end up in. I would like to explore strategies for elementary school teachers as well, while many of the same principles apply, the intimate relationships elementary school teachers form with their students would be a great place to start building these behaviors. I am also really interested in learning about techniques that schools are implementing to create systemic policies for inclusion and health policy.