What is SEL?

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the vehicle that supports academic excellence, sustainable wellbeing, and committed citizenship.

SEL impacts academic outcomes

Meta-analysis of SEL programs shows that SEL programs increase positive social behaviors, decrease emotional distress and conduct problems and improve academic performance.

SEL means understanding our emotions

Emotions are an integral part of the brain’s processes; in a way, by teaching SEL we are helping students use all the tools they already have, so they can be successful in school and beyond.

SEL is a reciprocal process

SEL is not only about the students, it is also about the adults. SEL initiatives are more successful when schools consider and support teachers’ own social and emotional competencies.

SEL impacts conditions for learning

SEL also considers the social and emotional conditions that affect learning and the classroom and school climate. These conditions for learning affect students’ attendance, motivation, academic learning, social and emotional capacity, and well-being.

SEL removes and mitigates for barriers to learning

SEL is also a schoolwide effort to remove barriers to learning. This happens when all of the stakeholders in the school community are involved and working together to support students’ learning and growth.

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SEL Impacts Everyone

Students

Marco is a 2nd grade student. He loves books, Legos and playing soccer with his friends. In class, he is learning different words to describe his emotions. 

Teachers

Martha is a middle school teacher. She has noticed her energy level is not what it used to be. In school, she is working with her colleagues to create a realistic self-care plan.

Parents

Maricela is a mom. Her teenage daughter doesn’t tell her things about school anymore. In parent education, she is learning what behaviors and socioemotional changes are normal for adolescents.

How do you implement SEL?

In Teaching with the HEART in Mind, Dr. Martínez provides a comprehensive roadmap to understanding the psychology of emotions, relationships, and adversity in learning, while equipping you to teach SEL skills and develop your own social and emotional intelligence. Full of practical techniques for educators of all subjects, this is your guide for transforming your classroom through essential SEL principles.

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Research-Based Strategies for your SEL Toolbox

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