Overview
The Penn GSE Teaching and Leading Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Certificate program is designed for educators, administrators, and leaders looking to deepen their understanding of what equity-oriented SEL entails and integrate it into their professional practice. Over the course of this program, you will not only learn about SEL theory but also engage in structured opportunities to translate theory into practice. Along the way, you will work closely with small groups of peers, allowing you to connect with and learn from a professional network that shares your commitment to this important work.
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Program Details
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6 CEs University of Pennsylvania Continuing Education Credits
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54 hrs Pennsylvania ACT 48 Credits
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100% Online Live & Asynchronous Sessions
Overview
Schedule and Curriculum
This program includes both live virtual sessions and asynchronous work to be completed between sessions. Before and after each virtual session, you will complete readings and assignments asynchronously on Penn GSE’s learning platform. During each session, you will work closely with small groups of fellow participants who share your SEL goals and professional context as you consider how you will apply the lessons learned in your classroom, school, district, or organization.
About the Program
This program empowers educators and leaders to intentionally integrate SEL into their professional practice, providing tools and frameworks to support social-emotional growth in classrooms, schools, and organizations.
Teaching and Leading SEL Certificate program guides participants in exploring the theory and practice of this topic, addressing questions such as:
- What is SEL, and how does it relate to equity?
- How can I plan for SEL? What are some research-backed strategies for intentionally integrating it into my professional practice?
- What is social-emotional modeling, and why does it matter?
- Should and how can we measure SEL?
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from Penn GSE faculty who specialize in SEL and teacher education, as well as from experienced and fellow practitioners who will serve as a community of practice for continued support and collaboration.
Upon successful completion of the certificate, you’ll be able to:
- Deepen your understanding of what SEL is and is not. Examine common myths about SEL and their implications for our classrooms, schools, organizations, and communities.
- Practice conducting a social-emotional audit, which can help us identify some of the social and emotional lessons that we may be reinforcing through our teaching and leading practice without even realizing it.
- Learn how to set SEL goals in a way that is critical, collaborative, clear, and compelling.
- Explore the psychology behind modeling, learning from others, and intention-setting. Practice using an intention-setting protocol to support healthy social-emotional modeling in your own classroom, school, or organization.
- Get familiar with foundational mental health principles, counseling frameworks, and strategies.
- Explore the connections between SEL, antiracism education, and restorative practices.
- Dig into the debate around assessing SEL. Explore guiding principles for developing and implementing SEL assessments, and begin creating your own SEL rubric.
Before and after each session, you will complete a set of readings, activities, and reflections to help you prepare and apply what you have learned.
Spring 2025 Schedule
| Date | Time (ET) | Title / Facilitator |
|---|---|---|
| January 30, 2025 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | What is SEL? / Taylor Hausburg |
| February 6, 2025 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Observing SEL in Action / Taylor Hausburg |
| February 13, 2025 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | SEL Goal Setting / Zachary Herrmann |
| February 20, 2025 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Social-Emotional Modeling / Taylor Hausburg |
| February 27, 2025 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Equity-Centered SEL / Charlotte Jacobs |
| March 6, 2025 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Restorative Practices / Tawanna Jones |
| March 13, 2025 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Assessing SEL / Taylor Hausburg |
| March 20, 2025 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Final Showcase |
Take the Next Step
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Program Instructors
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