Professional Learning

Effective professional learning ensures that district staff understands SEL and how to support systemic implementation.

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  Documents

See how districts have strategized and planned to implement professional learning

Title Document Type

DRC Documents

Readiness Considerations for Schoolwide SEL

This reflection tool outlines readiness considerations that could benefit a school community embarking on the process of building a schoolwide SEL effort, and can be useful to district leaders preparing to guide a cohort of schools with SEL implementation. Many of these readiness factors can be reinforced over time and/or built while the school community works towards systemic SEL.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS implementation support model SEL schools professional learning

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SEL Action Guide – District Professional Learning Offerings

This example from a school division in southeastern Virginia shows how they planned and provided professional learning for all district staff to strengthen understanding and investment, and later build skills, collaborate, and apply SEL in their context. The original version of this document included links for their staff to sign up for in-person learning or experience an online module.

TAGS staff onboarding teacher training professional learning

Districts in Action – Strengthen Adult SEL Competencies and Capacity

This brief spotlights three different approaches to adult SEL from SEL leaders in school districts in Olympia, Buffalo, and Des Moines. Visit https://casel.org/series/sel-fellows-briefs/ for more briefs from SEL Fellows.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS Adult SEL

Playbook to Leverage the Power of Communities of Practice

Developed with state policy teams, this resource is designed to support anyone who is working to build a community of practice across multiple schools or districts. Describes 6 steps for building a high quality CoP with tools and examples for each step.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS implementation support district SEL expertise SEL leadership

Supporting Implementation of Evidence-Based Programs in El Paso and Oakland

In this webinar you will hear from El Paso Independent School District and Oakland Unified School District on their process to support meaningful implementation of SEL programs in their communities. Hear about their lessons learned, what worked well, and the strategies they employed to improve the adult and student experiences of programs.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS implementation support evidence-based programs

District SEL Best Practices: Cultivating Shared Leadership for Schoolwide SEL

A district SEL leader from Austin, TX describes their leadership structure and approach to supporting SEL implementation through district SEL specialists who provide coaching and training for cohorts of school-based SEL leaders who in turn work with an SEL steering committee that is representative of the broader school community. This model has been shown to significantly improve implementation.

SOURCE: Austin Independent School District

TAGS implementation support SEL coaching for staff implementation plan

SEL Implementation and Sustainability Process: Anchorage’s Secondary & Elementary Support Class

1 page summary of Anchorage's 3 hour course for school teams which included content on adult SEL, using the CASEL School Guide, and team planning time.

SOURCE: Anchorage Public Schools

TAGS implementation support PLC professional learning SEL leadership

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Districtwide Professional Learning Audit

This is an example of a third-party audit of a district's SEL professional learning offerings and practices, shared by Sacramento City, including recommendations for improving training-related data collection and capacity building.

SOURCE: Sacramento City Unified School District

TAGS needs and resources assessment implementation plan professional learning

SEL Tiered Professional Development Programs

A multi-tiered list of SEL professional development offered to Nashville Public Schools including descriptions of each, duration, strengths, and implementation challenges to anticipate.

SOURCE: Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools

TAGS human and financial resource alignment teacher training implementation plan MTSS professional learning planning

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Find ready-to-use tools

Title Document Type

DRC Documents

An Introduction to SEL online course

CASEL's free, one-hour, virtual learning experience includes reflection prompts, videos, and application activities to introduce SEL to staff members, caregivers, community partners, or anyone interested in SEL.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS Adult SEL teacher training communications professional learning

Plan SEL Foundational Learning for your School District

This tool can help SEL leaders prepare a broad plan to provide learning experiences for all stakeholders in the school district community, and access resources to support foundational learning about SEL.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS teacher training professional learning family and community engagement

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Playbook to Leverage the Power of Communities of Practice

Developed with state policy teams, this resource is designed to support anyone who is working to build a community of practice across multiple schools or districts. Describes 6 steps for building a high quality CoP with tools and examples for each step.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS implementation support district SEL expertise SEL leadership

Guiding Questions for Educators: Promoting Equity Using SEL in your School

When social and emotional learning (SEL) is implemented with a culturally responsive lens, educators can use SEL to cultivate equitable learning opportunities, responsive relationships, and inclusive practices. This resources features reflection questions for school-level educators to explore the CASEL core competencies through an equity lens.

See also: Guiding Questions for Educators: Promote Equity Using SEL in your District

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS cultural competence Adult SEL equity culturally responsive

SEL 101: What are the core competencies and key settings? (video)

How can you bring social and emotional learning to your community? CASEL's framework for social and emotional learning (SEL) takes a systemic approach, identifying five core competence areas and four key settings.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS videos SEL overview professional learning

Group Reflection Protocol for SEL: Discussing the Core Competencies and Where They Are Promoted

This reflection protocol can help you facilitate a discussion on the updated SEL framework in small or large groups. The prompts allow you to think about what CASEL’s updated SEL framework means for implementation efforts in your school, district, or other setting.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS SEL overview professional learning building buy-in for SEL

Recommended Videos

This list contains links to videos that can be used to introduce SEL, strengthen commitment, and discuss key topics with stakeholder groups. Videos are arranged by category and length.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS videos

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Case Study Compilation

These eleven vignette-style case studies share how educators may embed SEL into instruction and other interactions with students. The included reflection guide makes this a ready-to-use tool for individual, small, or large group professional learning.

SOURCE: Transforming Education

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration teacher training professional learning

SEL for Educators Toolkit

A presentation template, companion guide, mini-modules, summary, and reference list for use in PLCs, staff meetings, professional learning, or individual reflection. Contains suggested activities and practices to support educators in their well-being, emotional state, and stress while supporting students.

SOURCE: Transforming Education

TAGS Adult SEL toolkit professional learning

Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain discussion guide

This discussion facilitator's guide, ideal for use with a small book study group, provides opening activities, discussion questions, and bridge activities for each chapter of Zaretta Hammond's book Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. Through reflection, collaboration, and continuous improvement strategies, this guide provides an opportunity for staff to interrogate their own instructional practice to find ways to be responsive to students' culture and identities.

TAGS cultural competence reading lists - staff equity culturally responsive professional learning

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Michigan’s Free Online SEL Training

The Michigan Department of Education in partnership with Michigan Virtual offers 5 self-paced courses (available to all but credit awarded only to MDE certificate holders) including an introduction to SEL, culturally responsive classrooms, embedding SEL schoolwide, creating professional culture based on SEL, and trauma-informed support.

SOURCE: Michigan DOE

TAGS Adult SEL trauma culturally responsive professional learning

SEL 3 Signature Practices introductory video – Classroom version

Video describing the SEL 3 Signature Practices (welcoming inclusion activity, engaging practices, and optimistic closure) and how to use them in a classroom setting.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS three signature practices building community

What is Social and Emotional Learning? (video)

From CASEL and school district leadership, this video conceptualizes social and emotional learning and describes what it looks, feels and sounds like in educational spaces.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS videos SEL overview building buy-in for SEL SEL leadership

SEL 3 Signature Practices Playbook

The SEL 3 Signature Practices Playbook has been updated and is now online! It includes a growing library of sample practices, supporting research, examples from the field, and templates to help you incorporate the practices skillfully into your context.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration mindfulness three signature practices teacher tool toolkit social awareness self awareness instructional practices building community SEL leadership

Responsible Decision Making (video)

CASEL and the Montgomery County Educational Service Center collaborated on this video to describe the competency of responsible decision making. Children can make responsible decisions by developing the ability to analyze a situation, understand its ethical implications, and evaluate the consequences. Parents and educators can help students learn to think through all parts of a problem and encourage them to make decisions on their own.

SOURCE: CASEL and the Montgomery County ESC

TAGS videos responsible decision making SEL competence communications

Relationship Skills (video)

CASEL and the Montgomery County Educational Service Center collaborated on this video to describe the competency of relationship skills. Communication, cooperation and the ability to successfully resolve conflicts are key to successful relationships. Educators can help students develop these skills by working together in groups and discussing roles. Parents can support their children by spending time with them and encouraging communication.

SOURCE: CASEL and the Montgomery County ESC

TAGS videos relationship skills SEL competence communications

Social Awareness (video)

CASEL and the Montgomery County Educational Service Center collaborated on this video to describe the competency of social awareness. Children can develop social awareness and learn empathy by putting themselves in another's shoes. Tips for parents include helping children to recognize emotions, appreciate diversity and show respect for others.

SOURCE: CASEL and the Montgomery County ESC

TAGS videos social awareness SEL competence communications

Self Management (video)

CASEL and the Montgomery County Educational Service Center collaborated on this video to describe the competency of self management. Students can learn to manage their feelings and turn them into positive actions. Adults can help by creating a calm and regulated environment, showing how to manage impulses, and discussing ways to resolve conflicts.

SOURCE: CASEL and the Montgomery County ESC

TAGS videos self management SEL competence communications

Self Awareness (video)

CASEL and the Montgomery County Educational Service Center collaborated on this video to describe the competency of self-awareness. Parents can help children develop self awareness by being honest about their own emotions. Educators can help by teaching the vocabulary of emotions, modeling behavior, and supporting students as they grow in self-awareness.

SOURCE: CASEL and the Montgomery County ESC

TAGS videos self awareness SEL competence communications

Marcus Garvey Elementary: Exemplary Supportive School

Chicago Public Schools recognizes schools for systemic SEL implementation through a Supportive Schools Certification process. Marcus Garvey Elementary is one of the schools that has earned the highest certification level, and this video illustrates the ways SEL has been integrated into systems and practices.

SOURCE: Chicago Public Schools

TAGS videos model SEL schools communications

Planning Engaging, SEL-Infused Professional Learning

CASEL has shared this planning template with breakout session presenters at CASEL-coordinated events to ensure that presentations are objective driven, evidence-based, action-oriented, and use techniques that activate social and emotional skills.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS teacher training professional learning

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Cross-District Visit Observation Tool (Sacramento)

This observation tool was used at CASEL's 2019 Cross District Learning Event in Sacramento. It highlights the intersections of SEL and equity goals in Sacramento City Unified School District.

SOURCE: Sacramento City Unified School District

TAGS equity school visit/observation tool

Cross-District Visit Observation Tool (Chicago)

This observation tool was used at CASEL's 2018 Cross District Learning Event in Chicago. It highlights the 4 domains of Chicago's School Climate Standards.

SOURCE: Chicago Public Schools

TAGS school visit/observation tool

Recommended Readings for Staff

Recommended Readings for staff development. Topics include Introducing the Importance of SEL, SEL and Equity, SEL and Academic Integration, Restorative Practices, Adult SEL, and Partnering with Families for SEL.
(Within each topic, readings are listed in order of length)

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS reading lists - staff district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL

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How to Create a Professional Learning Community

Edutopia article on developing strong PLCs, includes quick tips on teaching participants how to collaborate, creating an atmosphere of trust, carving out enough time for meaningful work, and more.

SOURCE: Edutopia

TAGS implementation support PLC SEL coaching for staff teacher training professional learning

Transforming Education: Resources for Educators

A collection of tools and toolkits, research, and webinars on mindfulness, self efficacy, self-management, social awareness, and the growth mindset.

SOURCE: Transforming Education

TAGS mindfulness teacher tool toolkit social awareness self management reading lists - staff SEL overview instructional practices classroom level professional learning

Tennessee’s Training Modules for Incorporating Social and Personal Competencies Into Classroom Instruction and Educator Effectiveness

The Tennessee DOE's training modules include powerpoint presentations, facilitator guides, and handouts on student-centered discipline, teacher language, cooperative learning, classroom discussions, and balanced instruction.

SOURCE: Tennessee DOE

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration videos toolkit SEL competence teacher training instructional practices classroom level student discipline professional learning

Washington’s SEL Online Education Modules

Washington's 5 online modules for educators (intro, embedding SEL schoolwide, adult professional culture, culturally responsive classroom integration, and selecting evidence-based programs). Free registration required.

SOURCE: Washington DOE

TAGS videos culturally responsive teacher training SEL overview evidence-based programs instructional practices culture and climate professional learning

What does SEL look like in elementary, middle, and high school?

This curated list of articles and videos illustrate what SEL looks like in elementary, middle, and high school settings. Explore these links to deepen your knowledge and find grade-differentiated resources for professional learning and planning.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS middle school grades high school grades elementary school grades

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SEL 3 Signature Practices introductory video – Adult SEL

Video describing the SEL 3 signature practices (welcoming inclusion activity, engaging practices, and optimistic closure) and how to use them in settings with adults, such as a meeting or professional learning.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS PLC mindfulness three signature practices videos self awareness SEL coaching for staff building community professional learning district SEL expertise

SEL Learning Walk Protocol – Anchorage

Anchorage's protocol for preparing and facilitating learning walks, well suited for districts that are organizing cross-campus visits to exemplary classrooms.

SOURCE: Anchorage Public Schools

TAGS model SEL schools school visit/observation tool conducting local SEL research classroom level building buy-in for SEL

Professional Development Concise Feedback Form

Sample closing activity to debrief professional learning and gather feedback, following the "3-2-1" format.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS PLC professional learning

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Planning Professional Learning for Evidence-Based Programs

This tool from CASEL's Guide to Schoolwide SEL helps a team answer important questions, assign tasks, and set a timeline to provide initial training and ongoing support for any evidence-based SEL program.

SOURCE: CASEL

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Two Part Debriefing Strategy for Reflection and Application

Guidance for SEL presenters to have participants process their reaction to a learning experience and apply it to their work.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS PLC three signature practices self awareness SEL coaching for staff professional learning

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AIR’s Social and Emotional Learning Coaching Toolkit

A toolkit for instructional coaches, administrators, and district leaders to support teachers in integrating SEL into daily practices, through planning, observation and feedback.

SOURCE: AIR

TAGS implementation support toolkit SEL coaching for staff instructional practices professional learning

SEL Learning Walk Observation Tool – Anchorage

Anchorage's handout for observers to take notes after visiting a classroom during a Learning Walk.

SOURCE: Anchorage Public Schools

TAGS model SEL schools school visit/observation tool conducting local SEL research classroom level culture and climate professional learning district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL

Principal Facilitation Strategies Guide: Large Group SEL Activities for Staff

Collection of activities to energize, build community, and practice social and emotional skills during professional development.

SOURCE: Austin Independent School District

TAGS culture and climate building community professional learning SEL leadership

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Find presentation templates that you can adapt and use

Title Document Type

DRC Documents

SEL for Educators Toolkit

A presentation template, companion guide, mini-modules, summary, and reference list for use in PLCs, staff meetings, professional learning, or individual reflection. Contains suggested activities and practices to support educators in their well-being, emotional state, and stress while supporting students.

SOURCE: Transforming Education

TAGS Adult SEL toolkit professional learning

Overview of CASEL’s Guide to Schoolwide Social and Emotional Learning

This presentation can be used to introduce schools to the logic model, key activities, and resources available at schoolguide.casel.org.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS implementation support PLC toolkit implementation plan culture and climate professional learning SEL leadership

How to Facilitate Professional Learning That Results in Action Using SEL Principles (Session 1)

Professional learning session for facilitators of PD, to learn how to integrate SEL concepts into learning experiences in objective-driven ways. Part 1 of 2 sessions.

SOURCE: Washoe County School District

TAGS PLC teacher training instructional practices professional learning SEL leadership

The Foundations of Social Emotional Learning: Teacher Training (Part 1 of 3)

First in a series of brief introductory SEL presentations, including an overview of the 5 SEL competencies and the 3 signature SEL practices.

SOURCE: Oakland Unified School District

TAGS three signature practices teacher training SEL overview professional learning district SEL expertise

Introduction to SEL for School Staff – Nashville

Nashville's presentation on integrating SEL into daily classroom practices begins by modeling a class meeting and includes many interactive, learner-centered activities, with presenter notes.

SOURCE: Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools

TAGS SEL standards lesson planning teacher training SEL overview instructional practices classroom level building community professional learning

Elements of Coaching

This presentation, originally for the instructional coaching team in El Paso, primarily focuses on creating community among coaches, listening skills, and ways to respond during a coaching session.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS implementation support PLC SEL coaching for staff human and financial resource alignment

Sample Schoolwide SEL 101 Presentation

This presentation can be adapted and used to introduce SEL to staff, families, and community partners. It gives an overview of what is SEL, why it’s important, and the process for schoolwide SEL. Talking points and activity instructions are provided in the notes section. Also available in Spanish.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS three signature practices staff onboarding SEL overview classroom level culture and climate professional learning district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL SEL leadership

See artifacts shared by districts and schools

Title Document Type

DRC Documents

SEL Action Guide – District Professional Learning Offerings

This example from a school division in southeastern Virginia shows how they planned and provided professional learning for all district staff to strengthen understanding and investment, and later build skills, collaborate, and apply SEL in their context. The original version of this document included links for their staff to sign up for in-person learning or experience an online module.

TAGS staff onboarding teacher training professional learning

Districts in Action – Strengthen Adult SEL Competencies and Capacity

This brief spotlights three different approaches to adult SEL from SEL leaders in school districts in Olympia, Buffalo, and Des Moines. Visit https://casel.org/series/sel-fellows-briefs/ for more briefs from SEL Fellows.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS Adult SEL

Campus Visits and Learning Walk Protocols (Austin)

Guidelines for SEL coaches when they conduct supportive visits and a protocol for Learning Walks, shared with visitors and campuses so they know what to expect and what support is available to them.

SOURCE: Austin Independent School District

TAGS implementation support SEL coaching for staff model SEL schools school visit/observation tool conducting local SEL research implementation monitoring instructional practices

Demonstration Sites Walkthrough Tool (Sacramento)

Tool used to make notes about SEL integration into the schoolwide environment, classroom environment, and instruction.

SOURCE: Sacramento City Unified School District

TAGS implementation support SEL coaching for staff model SEL schools school visit/observation tool conducting local SEL research implementation monitoring instructional practices

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SEL PD Facilitator’s Debriefing Cycle

Chart for a professional learning facilitator to plan debrief experiences for participants during a training.

SOURCE: Anchorage Public Schools

TAGS PLC teacher training professional learning

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SEL Professional Learning Conference – Nashville

Program packet from Nashville's annual SEL conference, including conference agenda, workshop descriptions, presenter bios, and sponsor information.

SOURCE: Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools

TAGS trauma fundraising teacher training instructional practices professional learning district SEL expertise

Assistant Principal Training: Fostering a Growth Mindset among Teachers

Detailed facilitator guide for a full day PD aimed at assistant principals, focused on applying the growth mindset to teacher evaluation.

SOURCE: Oakland Unified School District

TAGS teacher evaluation self management relationship skills SEL coaching for staff professional learning SEL leadership

Standards and Assessment Working Group Exit Ticket

Sample questions about ways schools are measuring SEL progress and areas of priority. Could be used as an exit ticket or anticipation guide for a larger event.

SOURCE: Sacramento City Unified School District

TAGS PLC continuous improvement

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Find resources to help you learn more on this topic

Title Document Type

DRC Documents

Preparing Teachers to Support Social and Emotional Learning

This case study of a university-school partnership offers information on how preservice and in-service teacher training can support SEL implementation and integration with teaching practices. Includes a helpful infographic on classroom practices that promote SEL, and implications for teacher training, schools, and policymakers.

SOURCE: Learning Policy Institute

TAGS staff onboarding SEL coaching for staff teacher training model SEL schools professional learning

The Principal’s Role in SEL

CASEL staff presented this webinar in collaboration with NAESP to share recommendations for how principals can coordinate and build upon SEL practices and programs to create an environment that infuses SEL into every part of students’ educational experience and promotes equitable outcomes.

SOURCE: National Association of Elementary School Principals

TAGS district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL

Three Signature Practices to Integrate SEL in Classroom Instruction

Reading describing and providing examples of 3 signature practices that bring SEL experiences into any class period and build a foundation of safety, consistency, and in a classroom.

SOURCE: CASEL

12 Strategies for SEL Facilitation

A short article with clear strategies for facilitating effective SEL professional learning, followed by a guide to lead an engaging activity around the article with a group of facilitators.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS mindfulness teacher training professional learning

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