Christina Cipriano

Although it has a rich background in emotional intelligence and prevention science, SEL is a relatively new term.

Students who receive consistent SEL tend to have higher levels of academic achievement and fewer behavioral and social issues. 

In order to authentically show up, connect with, and engage their students, teachers need to be able to recognize and communicate their own emotions. 

Research shows that the impact of SEL on educators translates into more job satisfaction, higher retention rates, and colleague connection, which in turn increases student achievement both academically and socially. 

Emotional intelligence is one facet under the larger SEL umbrella. 

SEL is the foundation for positive development in children and adults.

If students don’t feel safe and validated in the classroom, if they don’t see themselves represented in ways in which emotions and other domains are being taught, they’re not going to learn and thrive. 

When we think about students with learning differences, it’s important to consider the intersectionality of race, class, gender, sexuality, and disability.

Supporting educators and offering training in SEL is essential.

There is a great deal of variability in what SEL actually is.

To help learners from all cultures and backgrounds, the first and primary part of the SEL program approach includes full family engagement.

In the last decade or so, almost all states have adopted some SEL standards in their schools, at least at the primary level. 

One of the lessons learned from the pandemic is the importance of social emotional health for everyone.

Casel, which formalized SEL in 1994, has an expansive library of resources to help bring families and teachers in as stakeholders into the process of SEL in and beyond the classroom.

The pandemic impacted the social-emotional health and well-being of educators in profound ways.

At the start of the pandemic, Dr. Cipriano and her colleagues studied 5,000 educators across the country who expressed record rates of anxiety, frustration, and feelings of being overwhelmed and undervalued.

Dr. Cipriano and her colleagues found that leader emotional intelligence translated into an overall healthier whole-school climate.

Educational support professionals play a critical role in the safety and social-emotional well-being of students and colleagues.

Dr. Cipriano talks about several studies she and her colleagues are working on to more deeply understand the importance of SEL on all students.

Dr. Cipriano learns from her children, who naturally show and act on inclusion, compassion, and empathy.