There has been a lot of research conducted to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student achievement and well-being. Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress confirms there is a heightened need to continue the integration of social and emotional learning (SEL) to support students.
Research shows that social and emotional learning boosts academic achievement, helps people understand and manage emotions, set goals, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL can help create caring, inclusive, and healthy communities that support all students in reaching their fullest potential.
New Social-Emotional Learning Series K–12
Arizona Virtual Teacher Institute (AZVTI) has created a new 5-part SEL series. Based on the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework, these interactive workshops dive into how educators can cultivate skills and environments to advance students’ learning and development.
Ellie Reich, Professional Development Product Manager for ASU Prep Digital, said the professional development series was designed with all K-12 educators in mind, to address the continued need for SEL integration.
“SEL is very important in the classroom. When we think of the skills needed for college and career readiness…a lot of those skills can be taught, but if we can help students grasp it now, they can build on those skills and apply them to any career,” said Reich.
Each SEL topic in the series will be offered twice and is open to all grade levels. Participants can enroll in one or all based on their level of interest. Each core competency attended earns 1.5 hours of professional development credit. All sessions are from 4-5:30 p.m. (MST) with:
- Responsible Decision-Making – January 24 | January 30
- Self-Management – February 16 | February 27
- Relationship Skills – March 6 | March 16
- Self-Awareness – March 30 | April 10
- Social Awareness – April 25 | May 4
Reich said by the end of each session, participants will be able to define the competency addressed and explain why it is important, as well as learn and implement strategies in their classrooms.
“These live sessions offer not only the opportunity to engage with our instructors, but provide great collaboration with other educators,” she said.
Interested in learning more about the Social and Emotional Learning Series?
Visit the ASU Prep Digital Training Calendar to find sessions throughout the semester.
All AZVTI training is provided at no cost to AZ schools or teachers through the generous investment of the Arizona Department of Education, the Governor’s Office, Helios Education Foundation and Arizona State University.
