We blinked and it is already towards the end of October - the leaves are changing and pumpkins are everywhere. Earlier this month was the week of respect (really shouldn't be just a week!) and we have been reflecting on all the marvelous, innovative, and thoughtful things you have all done in your schools to not only promote respect but to ensure every human in the building feels welcomed, valued, safe, and happy to be a part of the school community. You are all doing such important work which goes a long way to providing the foundation and environment where students and staff alike can thrive.
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When schools join the School Climate Assessment and Improvement Process (SCAIP), they embark on a three-year individualized school improvement process with the guidance and support of experts in the field of school climate and social-emotional learning. SCAIP, which is provided through the School Culture and Climate Initiative (Initiative), was developed on the premise that schools can only achieve being healthy and engaging learning environments when a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach is taken.
The Initiative has been a trusted resource for over ten years. The schools we have partnered with have realized significant changes through SCAIP. While some school communities choose to navigate the waters alone, our partner schools will attest to the fact that having a guide on this journey makes it less time consuming and easier to keep the momentum going. Relationship-building is a key component to the change process, and it reflects one of our core values – collaboration and respect.
For participating schools, a successful three-year process results in:
- School and district-wide shared values and goals
- A school environment where students and staff feel safe and supported as demonstrated by significant increases in positive ratings on school climate surveys
- Reduced disciplinary infractions, absenteeism, aggressive behavior, and emotional distress
- Increased student feelings of belonging and connection with the school
- Increases in staff morale, perception of leadership support, and overall job satisfaction
- Increased engagement and school pride amongst students, staff, parents and the wider community
We are committed to creating a safe place where every person within the school system feels valued, welcomed, respected and heard and where all are encouraged to contribute.
Contact us to learn how we can customize the program for your school/district. Let's build a partnership!
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The book walks readers through every step of understanding, designing, implementing, and measuring an SEL program designed to create lasting and powerful change for your students. The author describes strategies to engage students with relationships and instruct them in core skills.
Essentials of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) also explores:
- The emergence of social emotional learning as a world phenomenon, including key definitions, critical areas of competence, historical influences, and the role of emotional intelligence in SEL.
- A rigorous review of current problems in education addressed by SEL, as well as the latest empirical support and validation for the model.
- A description of SEL as a sustainable framework for success, including a multi-phase guide to a whole-school implementation of SEL complete with tools, templates, and checklists.
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Onward tackles the problem of educator stress, and provides a practical framework for taking the burnout out of teaching. Stress is part of the job, but when 70 percent of teachers quit within their first five years because the stress is making them physically and mentally ill, things have gone too far. This book offers a path to resiliency to help teachers weather the storms and bounce back―and work toward banishing the rain for good.
This actionable framework gives you concrete steps toward rediscovering yourself, your energy, and your passion for teaching. You’ll learn how a simple shift in mindset can affect your outlook, and how taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally is one of the most important things you can do.
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School Support Network (SSN) meetings are free and everyone is welcome to attend. Share with your colleagues! All meetings are held virtually from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET. |
"Integrating SEL and School Climate Improvement Work into Your School Using Framework of Core Values: How to Ensure Success, Impact, and Sustainability"
November 16 - 1-2:30 p.m. ET
Presented by: Liz Warner and Trish Heindel, Co-Founders, School Culture and Climate Initiative
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SAVE THE DATES
December - No meeting
January 18
February 15
March 22 (tentatively in-person from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
April 19
May 17
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Coffee chats are virtual gatherings that allow schools to connect with one another. Participants have shared successes, challenges, and ideas with their colleagues during our past coffee chats. Coffee chats are held from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. ET and are open for all to attend.
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These are coffee chats where we bring together educators in similar roles. While collaborating with colleagues in diverse roles has its advantages, gathering with those in the same professional role allows you to explore more in-depth job-specific concerns, issues and potential strategies. These coffee chats are held virtually from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
School Counselor Coffee Chat
Administrator Coffee Chat
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"Tips, Tools & Strategies for Supporting Parents and Caregivers"
Presented by: Kathleen McClay and Teresa LaSala, School Culture and Climate Initiative Consultants
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Please share our newsletter with your friends, colleagues, and community members who might benefit from our resources, SSN Meetings, Coffee Chats, and PD! |
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Funding for School Climate Actions |
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New Sustainable Jersey for Schools Funding Opportunity!
The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), a Sustainable Jersey for Schools program Underwriter, is contributing $180,000 to support a Sustainable Jersey for Schools Grants Program cycle. The cycle offers ten $10,000 district and school sustainability project grants and forty $2,000 school green team grants. The funding supports efforts to implement projects that help participating schools make progress toward a sustainable future and gain points needed for Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. Specific climate actions that are fundable include:
- Inclusive Environments Where All Can Thrive
- School Culture and Climate Needs Assessment
- Social-Emotional Integrated Unit
Application Deadline: Monday, October 31, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. EST
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Professional Development, Webinars, and Resources |
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Press Release: "CASEL Applauds the Department of Education’s Actions on Student Well-Being"
On September 15, U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona’s issued a letter to Chief State School Officers regarding the allocation of $1 billion in funding under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) to school districts that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based strategies that meet students’ social and emotional well-being.
Read CASEL's full press release here.
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CASEL Webinar "Demystifying Systemic Social and Emotional Learning Series"
This monthly series of thought leadership webinars addresses ten key aspects of high-quality systemic SEL. Join CASEL and collaborators for insights on prioritizing academic, social, and emotional learning for all students across all school contexts.
Recommended for: Education leaders and researchers at the state, district, and school levels.
"Demystifying Systemic Social and Emotional Learning: Family Partnerships"
November 18 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST
Partnerships between family and school require opportunities to build relationships and collaborate to support students’ development. Register here
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Rutgers University Upcoming SEL Webinars
Click here to access Rutgers webinar page.
November 2022
- SEL and Equity
- SEL Academy Overview
- How to Integrate SEL into: Academic Areas via Students Taking Action Together and Tier 2 Interventions via the SEL Lab
- How to Instruct Students in ANY SEL/Character Program Effectively
December 2022
- Leading SEL Implementation in Schools
- Principles of Staff Development for Expertise in SEL/Character Instruction
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"How Students Typically Grow in SEL From Elementary to Middle School" by Maurice J. Elias
Understanding the usual course of social and emotional learning development can help teachers make sure their students are on track. Read more
"Why a Positive Call Home is Worth the Effort" by Paige Tutt
Best practices for making positive phone calls home a manageable, sustainable routine. Read more
"4 Ways Classroom Design Impacts Executive Functioning" by Andrew Ayers, Amelia Glauber
Effective classroom design can help elementary students develop skills like organization and task initiation. Read more
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SCCI and SEL4NJ will be presenting at the upcoming NJEA Convention - check out the details below and join us! |
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NJEA Convention "Standing Together"
Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Blvd. Atlantic City, NJ
November 10-11, 2022
In addition to teachers and other certified staff, NJEA also counts among its members educational support professionals (ESP), college students preparing to become teachers, faculty and staff from the state's community colleges, and retired educators.
More than 300 professional development seminars, workshops, and programs designed to help teachers and educational support professionals hone their skills and stay current in their subject areas and chosen fields. More information
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Follow the journeys of more than 20 young Americans from all over the country and all walks of life, who have struggled with thoughts and feelings that have troubled—and, at times—overwhelmed them. Hiding in Plain Sight presents an unstinting look at both the seemingly insurmountable obstacles faced by those who live with mental disorders and the hope that many have found after that storm. Watch now
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"Social-Emotional Learning Coalition Will Fight Back Against Politically Charged Attacks"
Supporters of social-emotional learning are going on the offensive in a bid to untangle the teaching of skills like empathy and resilience from the polarization surrounding lessons on racism, sexuality, and even American history.
Twenty organizations have formed a new coalition, Leading With SEL, which is aimed at squelching misinformation about the practice by sharing “three decades of research” demonstrating that “SEL belongs in schools,” according to a CASEL statement describing the group and its efforts. Read more
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Research shows that educators who cultivate their own SEL practices enjoy more positive relationships with their students and see improved academic performance in their classrooms.
Designed specifically to help educators develop their SEL skills, the Building Within workshop series features guided personal reflections and offers tools for implementing SEL practices on a daily basis. Led by social emotional learning coaches Erica Brentan and Kathleen McClay, the workshops will provide educators with a set of activities they can take back to their schools and easily share with students and colleagues.
Series topics include
- Understanding, accepting, and positively responding to emotions
- Cultivating the perseverance, patience and courage needed to manage change
- Strengthening compassion and gratitude for the self and others
- Building strong, healthy classroom communities
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Feedback from participants
"I love this course. Each session, I walked away rejuvenated and refocused."
"The workshop really helped me realize my purpose and what my goals are related to teaching. I loved the presenters - they were kind and very engaging! Definitely will use these activities with my students."
"I learned something new at every session and was able to share my new learning with my students the next day, literally."
Series details
Held December 14, January 11, February 15, March 15, and April 19 from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) via Zoom for a total of five 1-hour sessions.
Registration details
Cost: $149 per person
Deadline: December 7, 2022
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Bring this series to your school/district
This series is flexible and we would love to discuss how it can be brought to your school to meet your needs. Contact us to customize the series for your school/district.
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This workshop series provides a unique opportunity for school and district leadership to apply basic tools and processes around climate improvement to their own school community while also providing an onboarding ramp for deeper reflection and practice for positive school climate implementation.
What it is
A workshop series for school and district leadership that addresses the urgent need to improve the mental health and resilience of school communities. The series involves:
- online and synchronous instruction
- a networking community of peers and national experts
What you will do
- Explore a framework for an integrated, systemic, and sustainable approach to positive school climate.
- Discuss examples of what this approach looks like in practice.
- Explore common challenges and solutions involved in implementing the approach.
- Craft a communication plan to apply this model locally.
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Series benefits
- Learn strategies you can start applying during the 2022-2023 school year.
- Network with peers.
- Gain know-how from national experts to further support your school improvement efforts.
- Develop insight into how the social and emotional well-being of students and staff helps create a positive learning environment.
- Create the basic framework of a plan to improve your school climate.
Series dates/times
Every other Thursday from January through March
from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST via Zoom for a total of six 1.5-hour sessions.
Registration details
Cost: $750 per person
Deadline: December 19, 2022
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School Culture and Climate Initiative
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