Summer Professional Learning Community
Join us for one hour each week in this five week PLC!
It’s time to do something for YOU. Research tells us that we all do better when we feel better. You deserve to enter a new school year feeling restored. This is a great place to begin.

School Culture and Climate Initiative Consultants, Erica Brentan and Kathleen McClay, will guide you through this group coaching experience to help you restore, rebuild and reinvigorate your resiliency.
 
Based on the work of Elena Aguilar and her Feel Better series, you will engage in weekly activities to examine the effects this unprecedented school year has had on you and plan for meaningful change post-pandemic. After each session, you will have the opportunity to continue your learning throughout the week with interesting podcasts and reflection activities.

Each week, we will focus on a different area including:
  • Reflecting on your personal success and challenges from the past year 
  • Identifying the emotions you’ve experienced and exploring how to manage them successfully 
  • Understanding how to allocate your energy for the well-being of you and those around you
  • Planning for lasting, positive changes in the post-pandemic years 
 
There is a separate course for teachers and school counselors and principals/assistant principals.
The registration fee is $180 per person.
Resources, Webinars, and PD
Article: "Who Do You Call On? Rooting Out Implicit Bias"
By Dr. Maurice Elias
When teachers who find evidence of unconscious bias take steps to correct it, they can create a more welcoming space for all students. Read more

Article: "Class Reflection Activities to Close Out a Tough Year"
By Hoa P. Nguyen
After a challenging year of pandemic schooling, these activities help students reflect on what they’ve learned and look forward to what’s coming next. Read more
Article: "Teachers’ Mental Health Has Suffered in the Pandemic. Here’s How Districts Can Help"
By Catherine Gewertz
Teachers’ stress and anxiety have soared and their morale has plummeted during the pandemic, a flammable combination that could burn them out and lead them to leave their jobs. It’s more important than ever, experts say, for districts to support their teachers by looking after their mental health. Read more
CASEL Cares Webinar "Social and Emotional Learning and Young People’s Futures"
June 18 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Students graduating this year will enter a new world, reshaped by the global pandemic, the fight for racial justice, and virtual connectivity. How are young people leveraging SEL to navigate and prepare for what’s ahead? What would they strengthen or change to ensure our education system fully supports all students in their social, emotional and academic learning?

Hear from Keeth Matheny and his three former high school students who are preparing to graduate from college this year. Originally featured in a 2017 Atlantic article about SEL at Austin High School, they’ll each reflect back on how their high school SEL experiences have impacted their academics, mental health, and career aspirations. Attendees will hear about SEL lessons the students are carrying with them into the post-COVID world, and strategies that educators can use to shape SEL learning opportunities that connect with young people’s lives and futures. Register here
Webinar: Integrating Social, Emotional and Academic Success: A Comprehensive Approach led by Dr. Victor Carrion, Stanford University
Tuesday, July 20 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET
Are you planning for the full return to school and looking for ways to integrate a comprehensive approach to your SST (Student Success Team) process? Join the expert team from Stanford University who will share research, case study, and practical strategies to plan for a plan that fits your school systems from Tier I, II, & III. Participants will learn how mindfulness, stress reduction, Cue Centered Therapy, and B2L aligns with school-based MTSS models. This session is for 3 hours. Both Sessions are the same content. Register here
The Academy for SEL in Schools, a partnership between Rutgers University and Saint Elizabeth University, offers certificate programs for educators and educational leaders in social-emotional and character development.
SEL4NJ is a state-wide coalition that promotes high-quality SEL throughout the state. Sign up now to join this effort and to stay informed about national and state SEL news!




"Youth Mental Health First Aid"
The Northeast and Caribbean Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) can provide Youth Mental Health First Aid to your school or organization at no cost. "Youth Mental Health First Aid" is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders." 

If you are interested in receiving training, please email us.
The School Culture and Climate Initiative (SCCI) is based at the Center for Human and Social Development at Saint Elizabeth University.