This month, we recognize Mental Health Awareness month—a time to raise awareness around the reality of living with mental illnesses. This past year and a half, in particular, has presented many challenges around mental health and, as a result, how people manage their social and emotional needs.
Now more than ever, it's important that schools understand how to address the impact of trauma for their staff and students and put Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at the forefront of school leadership plans. According to CASEL, the benefits of SEL awareness for students are numerous and include increased academic achievement, improved behavior, increased graduation rates, and improved student attendance (CASEL, 2020).
Our global community has experienced events that have changed the way we connect and process. As we begin to re-open, schools and districts should be prepared to spend meaningful time rebuilding school culture. As part of an SEL-focused reopening approach, schools and districts need to provide students and teachers with opportunities to build purposeful relationships and community. Below are some tips for schools and districts to approach this task and support teachers and students in building meaningful connections as they return to school.
As we transition into an in-person school schedule, it's critical that we're prepared with the right support for our students and teachers. The way that individuals will experience this transition will be challenging at first, so we should be prepared to support one another through these challenges. While the social emotional wellbeing of teachers and students are being challenged, we can work to address these trials with thoughtful planning and targeted support.
As schools began to reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers scrambled to get their students on track after so much learning loss occurred. Do our educators have everything they need? Recruitment and retention means nothing without support systems that ensure your teachers have every tool they need to excel in the classroom.
Are you interested in exploring SEL resources for your community? Check out some of these suggestions below:
25 Ways Teachers Can Integrate Social-Emotional Learning: Teachers can use this tool for ideas to support SEL in their classrooms.
Comprehensive Guide on Adult SEL: This toolkit includes resources in understanding and engaging in adult SEL.
10 Ways Parents Can Bring Social-Emotional Learning Home: This article provides tips for parents to engage in SEL practices with students at home, especially as they transition from virtual to in-person schooling.
Be sure to check out: