Teachers are responsible for helping students reach their own healthy decisions using compassion and courage. The classroom should be as comfortable as possible. Thus, a low stress, safe, physical space can enhance learning. Such guidelines model the type of communication you want to foster in students' lives. Teachers must be clear that they are presenting health information, not their own personal beliefs, religious views or values.
Students commonly mask their real concerns and questions because of fear or embarrassment.
Education about sexual issues and issues of death and dying can have a strong emotional impact on students. References to illegal uses of drugs and alcohol should clearly state that these substances are illegal for students. Students often need time to adjust to non-traditional, interactive, modes of teaching. Teachers often put a lot of energy into the first part of experiential activities to compensate for students' initial reticence. Teachers need to remember that they are in control and aware of the big picture.