Cheryl leading a workshop
The Missing Piece: Why Professional Development is Key to Effective SEL Implementation

In the constantly shifting landscape of education, social emotional learning (SEL) has remained a critical component of student success. Momentum has grown, though, as schools and other youth-focused programs increasingly recognize the value of positive youth development in shaping well-rounded, resilient students. However, even with the best SEL tools and programs, their impact hinges on one crucial factor: professional development.

According to recent surveys, professional development (PD) for teachers is a top priority, with 52 percent of respondents identifying it as a key need. Similarly, 37 percent of respondents emphasized the importance of PD for administrators.* This focus on training underscores a fundamental truth: the effectiveness of any SEL initiative is only as strong as the knowledge and skills of those implementing it.

Marie Giancarlo, director of curriculum and instruction at Charter School of Inquiry in New York, puts it simply: “A school can have the best SEL products, but without professional development and training, those tools will not be effective.” Giancarlo’s insight highlights the often-overlooked reality that SEL programs require more than just high-quality materials; they demand educators who are fully equipped to embed SEL into their classrooms and school culture.

“Teaching social emotional skills begins with us as adults. Before we can help children build these essential skills, we must first understand and model them ourselves. It’s through our actions that children learn the most powerful lessons.”

Nicole Lovecchio

Chief Learning Officer, Wings for Kids

This is where comprehensive professional development workshops come into play. These workshops provide educators and administrators with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to bring SEL to life. By participating in targeted training, school and program staff can ensure that SEL programs are not just an add-on, but a deeply integrated part of their educational approach.

 

The Impact of Professional Development on Effective SEL Implementation

Studies show that educators who receive professional development (PD) training in the fundamentals of SEL are better equipped to model the skills they are hoping for students to gain than those with little to no training.

For example, a survey by RethinkEd highlights that three-quarters of educators who had received PD in ways to enhance their own personal social and emotional skills were better equipped to integrate SEL practices into their daily routines, suggesting that comprehensive training is crucial for consistent and impactful SEL implementation.

Additionally, a study published in Prevention Science demonstrated that teachers who underwent extensive PD and received ongoing coaching were more successful in implementing SEL-centered curricula, leading to improved outcomes in student social-emotional competencies.

These findings underscore the importance of investing in SEL-specific professional development—whether virtual or in-person, full or partial-day workshops on topics such as behavior management, creating positive cultures and climates, or understanding the fundamentals of SEL—to ensure that educators are not only knowledgeable about SEL but also confident in applying these practices in their classrooms.

 

Keys to Success

Investing in PD not only strengthens the implementation of SEL but also empowers educators to foster a more supportive and responsive learning environment. When teachers and administrators are well-trained, they are better prepared to meet the diverse needs of their students, create a positive climate, and promote overall student well-being.

In the end, the success of SEL in schools is contingent upon the commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth. As schools and youth-serving organizations continue to prioritize positive youth development—skills like self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills—it’s essential to remember that professional development is not just an option—it’s the missing piece that brings the full potential of SEL to life.

*SOURCE: EdWeek Research Center nationally representative online March/April 2024 survey of 163 district leaders and 95 school leaders

Want to learn more about professional development?

Our professional development workshops give teams practical SEL strategies they can use right away to better support youth, manage behaviors, and build a positive program culture. Explore our workshop topics or let us customize a session just for you!

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