Dear Superintendents and School Communities,

Mental health impacts every aspect of our lives, and every aspect of our schools. As we go through our day, mental health affects how we perform tasks, cope with stress, engage with others, overcome challenges, and much more. Now, more than ever, social emotional learning is critical to promote positive mental health for our students and to support their psychological, social, and academic growth.

Dr. Nadja Reilly, senior director for the Center for Behavioral Health, Equity, and Leadership in Schools, compiled some key practices, tips, and resources for educators on incorporating SEL into their schools.
Social Emotional Learning in Schools:
  • Does not reside in curriculum alone. The most powerful impact can be made when it is integrated into every aspect of the school day—how students are welcomed into the building, integration of concepts into instructional practice, and how adults relate to each other and other students.

  • Begins with adults. SEL is a lifelong process that involves strong awareness and reflection. Ongoing training and support for adult SEL are critical for the success of student SEL.

  • Is a complex, dynamic, ongoing, and culturally-adaptive process. Strong SEL programs are not separate from DEI efforts in schools, but are integrated to promote transformative practices.
Tips to Incorporate SEL on a Daily Basis
  • Develop classroom norms grounded in safety, respect, and responsibility. These should be developed together with students, as well as how the class will address when those norms are not followed

  • Establish predicable routines

  • Build healthy relationships with students—this includes learning their preferred names, correct pronunciation of names, pronouns, and learning about their individual strengths and assets

  • Make accommodations in the environment, such as creating a space for students to break

  • Build in opportunities for students to discuss critical world issues and how they are grappling with their environment


While there are no evidence-based SEL curricula at the high school level, supporting student SEL at this level continues to be critical. It is especially important to think about integrating SEL practices into instruction to support students.
Additional Resources
Click the links above to learn more, or share these tips with others by forwarding this email or downloading the graphics below. And, view all our Mental Health Awareness Month shareable graphics here.
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André Ravenelle, MEd
Executive Director
Center for Behavioral Health, Equity, and Leadership in Schools
The William James College Center for Behavioral Health, Equity, and Leadership in Schools provides school districts, leaders, and educators with a holistic, integrated set of programs; professional learning opportunities; and behavioral and mental health resources designed to foster healthy school climates.