In his 12th-grade Sexuality and Society class, Al Vernacchio speaks honestly and positively about human sexuality.

Why you should listen

Al Vernacchio teaches at Friends’ Central, a private Quaker school just outside Philadelphia. His positive, enthusiastic and often humorous approach to comprehensive sexuality education (rather than abstinence-only education) has made “Mr. V.” a popular speaker -- and has recently brought him to the attention of the New York Times Magazine, which profiled his class in the November 20, 2011, cover story "Teaching Good Sex". When not talking about sexuality, Vernacchio teaches English and is the faculty moderator of the school's Gay-Straight Alliance. He's also a seasoned wedding officiant.

What others say

“Sexuality is a force for good in the universe and the best thing about being human.” — Al Vernacchio

Al Vernacchio’s TED talk

More news and ideas from Al Vernacchio

We humans

Sex: Let’s talk

March 3, 2015

In this exclusive TED video, sex ed teacher Al Vernacchio and Make Love Not Porn founder Cindy Gallop discuss why having "the" talk with our kids is not enough.

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Culture

Beyond where babies come from: Talks for asking tough questions about sex

July 12, 2013

Today’s talk, which posits a fascinating metaphor for sex beyond baseball, comes from a passionate and dedicated sexuality educator. Al Vernacchio teaches his students that it’s not just getting the facts right that counts, but understanding the nuances of human sexuality and its place in society. Inspired by the teaching philosophy that Vernacchio brings to […]

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