Professional Development Training

Prism offers Professional Development workshops for a variety of organizations, including one-hour and full-day workshops for schools, and workshops customized for businesses and medical practices. All workshops are facilitated by Rebecca Degnan, LPC, an expert in the field of LGBTQ+ mental health. Workshops can be created for any other organization and can be customized to meet the time and content needs of your group.

*Prices are subject to change based on length of presentation.

Supporting LGBTQ+ Students in Schools

Training for Educators and School Staff

1-hour training

$750*

(Two or more presentations booked in the same day - $725 each)

Supporting LGBTQ+ Students in Schools is a one-hour professional development training which focuses on helping educators and school staff understand the challenges LGBTQ+ youth face and ways they can support those students in their school. Recommended for all school staff, including teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, building substitutes, office staff, lunch staff, etc.

Topics covered include:

Common terms and acronyms so we have a shared language
Defining gender
Important Statistics
How to use appropriate pronouns when addressing students
A brief explanation of legal regulations protecting LGBTQ+ students in CT
How you as educators and school staff can support your LGBTQ+ students

As a former teacher and school counselor, I am very familiar with the issues that LGBTQ+ students struggle with at school and am able to provide concrete, realistic ways that all staff can support them. It is vital that all staff are trained in this area, and GLSEN recommends that this training is provided on an annual basis in order to ensure that your school is a safe, supportive place for all students.

Email or call today for additional information, or to schedule a training for your staff!

Legal Rights & Guidance Regarding LGBTQ+ Students in CT Schools

Training for Educators and School Staff

1 hour

$750*

(Two or more presentations booked in the same day - $725 each)

Legal Rights and Guidance Regarding LGBTQ+ Students in CT Schools is a one-hour workshop that outlines the rights and protections afforded to LGBTQ+ students in CT schools, the legal obligations of schools to support and affirm these students, and areas where schools have been held accountable for not upholding these legal requirements.

Topics covered include:

Overview of Title IX and how it protects LGBTQ+ students
2021 US Dept of Education Statement
Bostock vs. Clayton County and Ramifications
2021 Executive Order #13988
Constitutional Right to Privacy
First Amendment
FERPA
CT State Laws Regarding Sexual Orientation
CT State Laws Protecting Transgender Students
CT State Dept of Education Guidance (2017) - handout?
(If time) overview of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation Across US

Pronouns - What School Staff Need to Know

Training for Educators and School Staff

1 hour

$750*

(Two or more presentations booked in the same day - $725 each)

Pronouns - What School Staff Need to Know is a one hour presentation for school staff about the various types of pronouns that are used within the LGBTQ+ community, why it is important to be aware of and use correct pronouns with students, ways to practice, and what to do if you make a mistake.

Topics covered include:

Why are pronouns important?
Common pronouns - he/she/they
Neopronouns
Genderless pronouns for addressing groups
How/when to ask someone their pronouns
Normalizing conversations around pronouns in your school
Pronouns in email signatures - where else can you include them?

Pitfalls & Mistakes to Avoid

Training for Educators and School Staff

30 minutes

$375*

(Two or more presentations booked in the same day - $350)

Pitfalls and Mistakes to Avoid is a 30 minute training for school staff, highlighting common mistakes people make when talking to or about LGBTQ+ students. This workshop provides concrete examples and ways to avoid and correct them that can be put into everyday use immediately.

Common mistakes to avoid when speaking with or about LGBTQ+ students
Potential legal issues that can arise from lack of understanding of legal protections for LGBTQ+ students
Common mistakes to avoid when addressing transgender students
The benefits of “getting it right”
Scenarios

Supporting LGBTQ+ Students in Schools - Full Day PD

Training for Educators and School Staff

Full day training

Fee dependent on number and length of sessions

Supporting LGBTQ+ Students in Schools is a full day professional development training which goes into in-depth training about LGBTQ+ identities, the issues LGBTQ+ students face, legal protections and rights of LGBTQ+ students and ways your entire school staff can support these students. Recommended for all school staff, including teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, building substitutes, office staff, lunch staff, etc. This workshop can be for an individual school or your entire district, and can be customized to the needs of your district.

Topics covered may include the following, or other topics requested by you:

Common terms and acronyms so we have a shared language
Defining gender
Important Statistics
How to use appropriate pronouns when addressing students
Legal protections for LGBTQ+ students
How you as educators and school staff can support your LGBTQ+ students
Common pitfalls and Mistakes to Avoid

Email or call today for additional information, or to schedule a training for your staff!

Fostering an Inclusive Environment in Your Business

Training for Businesses and Professional Organizations

1-hour training

$750*

(Two or more presentations booked in the same day - $750 each)

Understanding LGBTQ+ Identities and Fostering an Inclusive Environment is a one-hour professional development training which focuses on educating the staff at your organization about LGBTQ+ identities, the complexities of gender and sexual orientation, and how everyone can make a positive impact in creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ employees, patrons or customers. Recommended for your entire staff.

Topics covered include:

Common terms and acronyms so we have a shared language
Defining gender
Important Statistics
The importance of using correct pronouns when addressing people
A brief explanation of legal regulations protecting LGBTQ+ individuals in CT
How every member of your organization can contribute to creating an affirming company culture

Email or call today for additional information, or to schedule a training for your staff!

Supporting LGBTQ+ Patients in Your Medical Practice

Training for Medical Practices

1-hour training

$750*

(Two or more presentations booked in the same day - $750 each)

Supporting LGBTQ+ Patients in Your Practice is a one-hour professional development training for medical practices which focuses on educating the staff at your medical practice about LGBTQ+ identities, the complexities of gender and sexual orientation, and how everyone can make a positive impact in creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ patients. Recommended for your entire staff, including practitioners, medical assistants and office staff.

Topics covered include:

Common terms and acronyms so we have a shared language
Defining gender
Important Statistics
The importance of using correct pronouns when addressing people
Pitfalls and common mistakes to avoid
Creating inclusive paperwork for clients
How every member of your practice can contribute to creating a safe environment for LGBTQ+ patients

Email or call today for additional information, or to schedule a training for your staff!

Do you have other specific topics you would like covered?

I am happy to create a workshop based on your organization's needs. Contact me below to discuss!

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Heather, Haddam, CT

If you are responsible for bringing PD to a school, Rebecca is the person that you need.

Kerry, Deep River, CT

Organizations looking to expand their understanding and awareness of this vulnerable population’s unique challenges will find a skilled and dynamic speaker who engages her audience with her passion and commitment to this special group and their allies.

Taylor, Killingworth, CT

As a relatively recent graduate from a diverse school psychology program, I typically pride myself on being up-to-date on gender and diversity challenges. However, when I found myself faced with a non-binary student, I quickly realized my knowledge base was lacking in some areas. Since attending this training, I have found myself frequently incorporating non-gendered language into my practice. This presentation has allowed me to feel more confident in my conversations with students, parents, and colleagues. I’ve even found myself kindly pointing out to others common phrases and practices used in schools that in actuality are harmful and disrespectful. I would recommend Rebecca’s training to anyone in a heartbeat!