Teacher professional development plays a crucial role in fostering the successful implementation of social-emotional learning (SEL) and enhancing student learning outcomes. Educators recognize the vital importance of nurturing the social and emotional well-being of our students, alongside their academic growth. In my experience facilitating a variety of professional developmentsessions and workshops, student well-being inevitably becomes a topic of interest. I want to take this opportunity to share various ways in which well-designed, high-quality teacher PD can provide educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to implement SEL effectively.Together we can create a nurturing environment that fosters students' social, emotional, and academic development. 

“Just one small thought in the morning can change your whole day.” - Dalai Lama 

In the past year cultivating empathy has become a need in every classroom, helping students and teachers navigate the challenges of our ‘new norm.’ We all realize two years in that the growing feelings of isolation, lack of community, and limited interaction have affected how our students engage and develop relationships. As we approach two years of masking, social distancing, hybrid learning, remote learning, and more, how can cultivating and nurturing empathy bring positive results to the classroom and beyond? 

Research shows that incorporating social and emotional learning (SEL) in instruction helps students understand and manage emotions, personal challenges and difficulties, and relationships with others. Consistent and dynamic SEL teaches students the skills they need to deal with life in and out of the classroom.  

There has been an increased focus on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in recent years, with teachers working to incorporate strategies to help students recognize and manage their feelings and emotions. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), “SEL can help all young people and adults thrive personally and academically, develop and maintain positive relationships, become lifelong learners, and contribute to a more caring, just world.” 

Research shows that social and emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom helps students understand their emotions, how to deal with personal challenges and difficulties, and teaches them the skills needed to deal with life inside and outside of the classroom. To help teachers integrate SEL, Boxlight has planned a roundtable discussion with educators and industry experts focusing on how to ensure learning environments are supportive and responsive to SEL needs.  

The landscapes of our classrooms have undoubtedly been changed this past year. Educators around the globe have been inspiring, demonstrating innovation and creativity in remote and hybrid classrooms. Technology has been at the forefront of lesson planning, design, and delivery allowing teachers to teach and students to learn.

Our children are experiencing a time in history that’s unique to us all. They have had limited connection with their teachers, classmates, and friends. They are seeing and hearing events on the news and in social media that can cause feelings of anxiety and fear. They might not be able to handle or process the emotions that are bubbling up. With more and more time spent on devices, our children – regardless of age – struggle with skills such as cooperation, conflict resolution, managing thoughts, and problem solving. Because of this, fostering social-emotional skills has been a focus in education since at least the 1990s.