Understanding Social and Emotional Learning in Education: Insights from Michelle Gill

Understanding Social and Emotional Learning in Education: Insights from Michelle Gill

Author: Jeffrey Bradbury - TeacherCast Educational Network February 5, 2025 Duration: 42:56
In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Jeff Bradbury and Diane Manser discuss the critical role of social and emotional learning (SEL) in education with guest Michelle Gill. They explore the importance of understanding behavior as communication, the need for SEL in today's complex environment, and practical strategies for teachers to implement SEL in their classrooms. The conversation emphasizes the ongoing nature of SEL development for both educators and students, and the necessity of creating supportive environments for effective learning. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today!

Conversation Takeaways

  • SEL enhances the well-being of both educators and students.
  • Understanding behavior as communication is crucial for effective teaching.
  • Teachers need to be open to SEL practices to improve classroom dynamics.
  • SEL is essential in today's stressful and complex educational environment.
  • Professional development in SEL is necessary for teacher efficacy.
  • Empowering students with emotional regulation skills starts as early as kindergarten.
  • The implementation of SEL requires a collaborative approach among educators.
  • Teachers should focus on strengths and positive behaviors in the classroom.
  • SEL practices can lead to better academic outcomes for students.
  • The work of SEL is ongoing and requires continuous learning and adaptation.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Social and Emotional Learning
  • 03:08 The Importance of SEL in Education
  • 06:10 Understanding Behavior as Communication
  • 10:03 The Need for SEL Today
  • 13:55 Overcoming Resistance to SEL
  • 17:05 Practical SEL Strategies for Teachers
  • 21:02 Consultation and Support for SEL Implementation
  • 25:09 Empowering Students in SEL
  • 28:59 The Ongoing Nature of SEL Development
  • 33:00 Final Thoughts on SEL and Well-being

About our Guest:

Michelle Gill is an independent consultant with over 23 years of experience in education, specializing in coaching, consulting, and professional development to enhance the social and emotional well-being of educators and students. With 14 years of classroom experience in the School District of Philadelphia and Fairfax County Public Schools, Michelle transitioned to the nonprofit sector, where she served as Director of Consulting and Certification at the Center for Responsive Schools, guiding schools through social and emotional learning (SEL) initiatives. In 2021, she became the Coordinator of Student Services for Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning (SEAL) at Centennial School District, leading district-wide SEL implementation over three years. A member of the SEL Fellows Academy with CASEL, Michelle holds a Social and Emotional Intelligence Coaching certification from ISEI. She is passionate about empowering education professionals to build social & emotional intelligence and well-being, individually and systemically.

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Hosted by Jeff Bradbury of the TeacherCast Educational Network, Digital Learning Today is a conversation for educators who think strategically about the long game. This podcast moves beyond quick tech fixes to examine the underlying frameworks and leadership philosophies required for meaningful, lasting improvement in schools. It’s designed for those in the driver’s seat of change-principals, district administrators, and instructional coaches-who understand that real transformation is about systems, not just software. Listeners will find practical discussions on implementing digital learning initiatives effectively, crafting and executing school improvement plans that stick, and the nuanced work of fostering a collaborative, innovative culture among staff and students. The dialogue naturally bridges educational theory with the realities of school business and management, offering a grounded perspective on steering institutions forward. By focusing on sustainable models and big-picture ideas, each episode provides a space to reflect on the core structures that define modern education, making this podcast a resource for anyone committed to thoughtful, systemic growth in their learning community.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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