Social and emotional learning (SEL) plays a crucial role in ensuring the overall health and wellbeing of students. In order to make healthy, responsible decisions, students need the skills to understand their own emotions and to navigate the world around them.
“Research demonstrates that people’s success comes only partially from intellect, and it is more important to develop optimism levels, social supports and the ability to see stress as a challenge instead of a threat. The lens through which we see the world creates our realities—from the inside out—and the K-16 educational system has the ability, and responsibility, to help students develop their own unique lens” (The Brzycki Group).
When educators and students are empowered with the wisdom of SEL, it can have life-altering effects.
Through the implementation of SEL, students learn how to “apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions” (CASEL).
As we strive to promote the health and wellbeing of all students, it is important to tap into the transformative models and high impact practices that already exist and explore how to get them into the hands of more educators and youth development professionals.
At the 2020 National Social and Emotional Learning Conference May 18-20 in Baltimore, that’s just what we plan to do! Learn more.
This year’s conference includes engaging workshops, powerful plenary sessions, networking opportunities and activities centered on mindfulness and community health. View 2020 National SEL Conference schedule.
Don’t miss the Mindfulness Space at #SELCONF2020
During the conference, a Mindfulness Room will be available for all participants. Numerous studies have documented the social, health and workplace benefits of mindfulness; from stress reduction, increased emotional regulation and increased focus and memory.
We live in a society oriented towards stress, and as youth development professionals, it is important to care for your personal and mental health in order to interact with youth in a positive and nurturing way. We encourage you to build intentional practices for you and your team that foster ongoing mindfulness and wellbeing. At the 2020 National SEL Conference, there will be many opportunities for networking, learning and connecting – and we invite you to find time to connect with yourself as well!
The 2020 National SEL Conference is presented by the Center for the Promotion of Social and Emotional Learning at Center for Schools and Communities.
Follow us on Twitter @CPSEL2 and @Center_Schools – #SELCONF2020 – for conference updates.
Media Contact
Aylissa Kiely, (717) 903-0219