Bill Taverner is a distinguished sexuality educator and leader with over three decades of dedicated service in the field, currently serving as the Executive Director of The Center for Sex Education (CSE) in Morristown, New Jersey. His commitment to advancing sexual health education is evident through his roles as founder of the Sex Ed Lecture Series and editor-in-chief of the “American Journal of Sexuality Education.” The lecture series, initiated in March 2020, was designed to maintain connectivity and foster ongoing professional development among sexuality educators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, Taverner’s passion for education was nurtured early on. He pursued his academic ambitions at the State University of New York at Albany, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, followed by a Master of Arts in Human Sexuality from New York University. His graduate studies included an international program in Copenhagen, Denmark, enriching his perspective on global sexual health challenges.
Bill Taverner’s contributions to the field include authoring and editing over 85 publications ranging from curricula and journal articles to comprehensive teaching manuals. His efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the AASECT Book Award and the Schiller Prize for interactive workshop strategies. Outside of his professional endeavors, Bill remains a passionate fan of the New York Mets and enjoys participating in community theater, embodying his belief in lifelong learning and community engagement.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts with a review of my to-do list, prioritizing tasks that align with our ongoing projects at The Center for Sex Education. I dedicate specific blocks of time for emails, project management, and creative work, such as writing or curriculum development. To keep my day productive, I break larger projects into manageable tasks and set clear, achievable goals for each day. Regular breaks are essential for maintaining my focus and creativity, and I often use these moments for brief walks or mindfulness exercises.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life involves collaboration and communication. I start by mapping out the core concepts with my co-collaborators, discussing potential impacts and improvements. We then create a detailed plan that assigns roles and sets deadlines. Utilizing digital tools for collaboration ensures everyone stays on track. I also encourage regular check-ins and feedback sessions to adapt and refine our approach, ensuring the idea evolves into a viable project or solution that benefits our audience.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The trend towards digital and interactive learning platforms in sex education excites me. These platforms offer new ways to engage learners, customize educational content, and reach audiences who might not have access to traditional classroom settings. As technology advances, the potential to integrate AI and VR into sex education could revolutionize how topics are taught and understood, making learning more engaging and accessible.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that significantly boosts my productivity is the practice of writing down the top three priorities each day. This simple act keeps me focused on what truly needs to be accomplished, preventing me from getting overwhelmed by less critical tasks. It ensures that even on hectic days, I make progress on essential projects.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace every learning opportunity, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Early in my career, I sometimes focused too narrowly on specific goals, missing out on broader learning opportunities. Also, I’d stress the importance of networking and relationship-building from the start—connections can be just as valuable as skills.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that every student, regardless of age, should have access to comprehensive sex education. While many agree that sex education is important, there’s still significant resistance to implementing it at all educational levels due to cultural, social, and political factors. I maintain that early and comprehensive education can lead to healthier adults and communities.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Regularly update and refresh educational content. In my field, staying current with scientific research, societal trends, and technological advancements is crucial. I recommend that everyone, no matter their profession, continually update their knowledge base and skills to stay relevant and effective in their careers.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I step back and take a break to refocus. Sometimes, simply taking a walk for ten minutes can reset my mental state. I also find it helpful to reassess my workload and delegate tasks when possible, ensuring I’m not taking on more than is feasible.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Networking has been indispensable in advancing my career and the mission of the CSE. Attending conferences, participating in panels, and collaborating on projects with peers have opened numerous opportunities. These connections have not only expanded our reach but also brought in diverse perspectives that enhance our programs.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I was less receptive to critical feedback, often assuming that my work was sufficient as it was. This perspective shifted dramatically over time. I now actively seek out critical feedback, recognizing its crucial role in refining educational content and enhancing its effectiveness for learners. Embracing this process has not only improved the quality of the materials I develop but also deepened my commitment to fostering an educational environment that continuously evolves and adapts to better serve students.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Business practices and the idea of flexibility often seem contradictory, but I advocate for integrating strategic flexibility into business models. This includes setting accessible price points and accommodating financial needs through scholarships and discounts. Such strategies not only ensure wider accessibility but also build substantial goodwill and trust with consumers, proving invaluable over time.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
It’s no secret that Google Docs is great for collaborative writing and editing. It is amazing that people could write books without ever meeting! Google Docs allows multiple users to work on documents simultaneously, offering real-time updates and edits. This accessibility and immediacy make it an indispensable tool for projects that require collective input and swift coordination.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Ah, this question lets me shift from sex education to another passion of mine—my beloved New York Mets! I’m hooked on any book about the Mets. I recently listened to a podcast featuring an obscure pitcher from the 1970s. I was surprised the host knew him; I thought I might be the only one! It’s important to embrace what we love outside of work. I especially value how the Mets give my son and me so much to talk about!
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching “A Walk In the Woods,” an adaptation of Bill Bryson’s book which I had previously read. As someone who has hiked parts of the Appalachian Trail myself, I found the film infused with humor, intelligence, and adventure. It’s always a pleasure to see a film that combines these elements so effectively.
Key learnings:
- Continuous learning and adaptation is essential for remaining relevant and effective in any professional field
- The importance of networking that enhances personal and organizational growth.
- The value of personal development enhances skills but also boosts morale and productivity