Using Social-Emotional Learning to Support Learners and Educators

In Module 1, build a strong foundation in social-emotional learning (SEL) and explore how it supports multilingual learners in English language education settings. This module introduces key SEL concepts and practical ways to integrate them into your teaching practice. 

What you’ll explore: 

• What social-emotional learning is and why it matters
• The benefits of SEL for students and classroom communities
• The connection between SEL and English language education
• Six foundational principles for integrating SEL into your teaching practice
• Strategies for supporting multilingual learners through SEL-informed instruction 

After this module, you’ll be able to explain the purpose and benefits of social-emotional learning and identify ways to incorporate SEL into instruction for multilingual learners. 

Enroll in Module 1: Understanding Social-Emotional Learning

In Module 2, learn how social-emotional needs influence student learning, participation, and well-being in the classroom. Learn to recognize signs of unmet needs in multilingual learners and respond with supportive, student-centered strategies. 

What you’ll explore: 

• The eight basic social-emotional needs shared by all learners
• How unmet needs can affect learning, behavior, and participation
• Strategies for responding to students with empathy and support
• Social-emotional learning activities that foster connection and belonging
• How to collaborate with counselors and other support professionals when needed 

After this module, you’ll be able to identify unmet social-emotional needs in multilingual learners of English and apply classroom strategies that support student well-being and engagement. 

Enroll in Module 2: Identifying Learners’ Social-Emotional Needs

In Module 3, investigate how classroom environments shape students’ sense of belonging, safety, and engagement. This module focuses on creating inclusive learning spaces that support multilingual learners’ social-emotional well-being and academic growth. 

What you’ll explore: 

• The physical, interpersonal, and organizational features of inclusive classrooms
• How classroom environments influence students’ social-emotional well-being
• SEL strategies that foster belonging, trust, and positive relationships
• Ways to support students’ social-emotional competencies through daily instruction
• Approaches for creating learning spaces where all students feel valued and supported 

After this module, you’ll be able to use social-emotional learning strategies to build inclusive classroom environments that support student connection, participation, and success. 

Enroll in Module 3: Creating an Inclusive Classroom Environment

Module 4 involves exploring the role of wellness, mindfulness, and self-care in sustainable teaching practice. This module focuses on strengthening your own social-emotional resilience while learning strategies that can also support student well-being in the classroom. 

What you’ll explore: 

• The connection between teacher wellness and effective teaching practice
• How mindfulness and self-care support social-emotional resilience
• Practical wellness strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout
• Ways to incorporate wellness practices into classroom routines
• Approaches for supporting students’ social-emotional well-being through mindfulness and reflection 

After this module, you’ll be able to apply wellness and mindfulness practices that support your own resilience and help create a more supportive learning environment for students. 

Enroll in Module 4: Applying Strategies for Self-Care and Mindfulness

In Module 5, learn how to intentionally embed social-emotional learning (SEL) into everyday instruction alongside language and content goals. This module presents practical ways to connect SEL competencies to learning activities, classroom interactions, and classroom management practices. 

What you’ll explore: 

• Why SEL should be included alongside language and content objectives
• Strategies for connecting SEL competencies to instructional activities
• How SEL practices can strengthen classroom management and student engagement
• Approaches for embedding SEL into lesson planning and daily instruction
• Ways to support both academic growth and social-emotional development through intentional planning 

After this module, you’ll be able to design lessons that integrate social-emotional learning with academic and language objectives to support both student learning and classroom community. 

Enroll in Module 5: Integrating Social-Emotional Learning Into Lesson Plans

In Module 6, discover how to thoughtfully monitor and assess social-emotional learning (SEL) in ways that support student growth and inform instructional decisions. This module explores practical considerations for selecting, using, and interpreting SEL assessment tools in educational settings. 

What you’ll explore: 

• The role of monitoring and assessment in supporting SEL development
• Considerations for implementing SEL assessment practices in your teaching context
• How to evaluate and select appropriate SEL assessment tools
• Strategies for interpreting SEL assessment data responsibly and effectively
• Ways to use assessment insights to strengthen SEL instruction and student support 

After this module, you’ll be able to evaluate and use SEL monitoring and assessment strategies to better understand students’ social-emotional development and guide your instructional practices. 

Enroll in Module 6: Monitoring and Assessing Learners’ Social-Emotional Learning