CASEL

New peer-reviewed research (publishing this June, available via ScienceDirect) highlights a key challenge in SEL: strong evidence, but inconsistent implementation. In other words, educators see the value, but many still lack the training and systems to apply it effectively. Read the research study here: bit.ly/48BYKMx?

A new EdWeek survey of 499 teachers, principals, and district administrators shows most educators agree: students should learn social and emotional learning skills like self-management, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. But the survey also shows differing opinions on whether teachers are equipped to teach SEL and whether schools are overstepping their role. Read more details about this EdWeek survey here: bit.ly/4dxowFb

We’re pleased to see Forbes highlight our new report analyzing 272 Portraits of a Graduate across 36 states. The message is clear: students need both digital fluency and the ability to communicate, collaborate, and make sound decisions because the future will demand both. This signals a broader shift in how schools define readiness for the future. Read the article: forbes.com/sites/julielam…

Meet our fellows! Tabassum Amina is an Associate Professor and Mental Health Team Lead at BRAC IED, BRAC University in Bangladesh. Here’s why she wanted to be part of this special cohort: “I want to learn more about SEL practices globally. I’m also keen to explore new tools and approaches for integrating SEL into the education sector in ways that benefit both learners and teachers.” We’re so glad to have her voice as part of this conversation!

Learn with CASEL! Strengthen academic lessons and deepen student engagement by integrating SEL strategies that build connection and develop essential skills. Join us on May 19th for a two-hour virtual workshop designed for K–12 educators, administrators, and instructional coaches. You’ll learn how to: • Weave SEL into everyday instruction • Strengthen lesson plans with collaboration, communication, and problem-solving strategies • Lead discussions that build stronger connections among students and colleagues Walk away with ready-to-use tools you can apply right away. Integrating SEL with Academic Instruction will be offered May 19 and June 2 (2–4 PM EST). casel.org/events/integra…

You asked and we listened! Introducing a new self-paced course: Cultivating Social and Emotional Learning for Adults. Because we can't expect adults to model self-management, relationship-building, and responsible decision-making if they aren't supported in growing those skills themselves. Designed with flexibility in mind, you can complete the course on your own or as part of a team—whatever works best for you. Either way, you’ll earn a verified certificate for 6 hours of professional learning from CASEL. Ready to grow your own SEL skills? Learn more about this new course 👇 bit.ly/3Q4SNl8

This recent op-ed, co-authored by CASEL board member Marc Brackett, is a good reminder: if we want SEL to work for students, it has to start with adults. Schools can’t just teach SEL. They have to model it by putting educator well-being and development at the center of school improvement. Read the article to learn three practical strategies for making this happen: edweek.org/teaching-learn…

We’re proud to showcase the first cohort of our International SEL Fellows Academy! 🌍 This remarkable group of leaders brings together voices from across the globe, each committed to advancing social and emotional learning in meaningful, lasting ways. Over the next two years, they will cultivate a connected community grounded in shared learning, mutual support, and real collaboration across regions and perspectives. Stay tuned over for a closer look at each of our 18 fellows. ✨

⏰ Today is the final day to apply for the 2026–27 SEL Fellows Academy. Don’t miss your chance! Applications close at midnight. This virtual 10-month program brings together up to 45 district and regional office of education leaders from across North America who are leading SEL efforts and committed to strengthening their practice through meaningful community and collaboration. If you’re looking to connect with like-minded leaders and deepen your impact, this is a powerful opportunity. Learn more and submit your application here: casel.org/systemic-imple…

Remember this slide we shared from the Exchange session “Inspiring Emotionally Healthy Boys: From Stereotypes to SEL Success,” presented by our friends at The Institute for Social and Emotional Learning (IFSEL)? This notecard illustrating “reticited” is an example of the presenters asking students to create new emotions that capture their full complexity. It’s such a great combination of emotions and we’ve been thinking about it ever since the Exchange. We thought it would be fun to invite you to come up with your own new emotions. Share them with us in the comments!

Student success in school, career, and life depends on the powerful connection between academic knowledge and social and emotional competencies. In a recent CASEL report, we analyzed 272 district-level Portraits of a Graduate from 36 states (2014–2024) to better understand how schools are prioritizing social and emotional, workforce-readiness, and academic skills. Want to see how Portraits are shaping long-term student success and future readiness? Read the full report here: casel.org/links/from-vis…

Are you subscribed to one (or more) of CASEL’s newsletters? Stay up to date with the latest and most trusted insights in social and emotional learning (SEL)—delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free: casel.org/news-publicati…

We’ve been sharing a lot lately about connection and community—and this podcast is a great weekend listen on the topic. Whether you’re listening while doing chores or running errands, press play for a bit of a nudge to build more meaningful connections in real life. You might even find yourself swapping “We should get together sometime” for “What are you doing Sunday at 11?” Take a listen and get one step closer to feeling more connected: npr.org/2026/02/09/nx-…

We hope you enjoyed all the events and inspiring words shared during this year’s SEL Week as much as we did. We created a blog with a look back at some of our favorite events from #SELWeek2026. Take a look here: casel.org/blog/looking-b…

📢 Good news! The application deadline for the 2026–27 SEL Fellows Academy has been extended to midnight on April 15. This virtual 10-month program brings together up to 45 district and regional office of education leaders from across North America who are leading SEL efforts and committed to strengthening their practice through meaningful community and collaboration. If you are looking to connect with like-minded leaders and deepen your impact, this is a powerful opportunity. Learn more and submit your application here: casel.org/systemic-imple…

Looking for a podcast to keep you company while you run your weekend errands? Check out this episode of the Need A Lift? with Tim Shriver podcast. It’s from last year, but the topic, From Opponents to Friends: David Axelrod & Karl Rove on Grief and Why the American People Are Better Than Our Politics, feels especially relevant given the heavy moments our country is facing right now. Give it a listen, and if you’ve come across a podcast that inspired you lately, drop it in the comments. We’d love to share it with the community. podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/fro…

Student belonging isn’t just a school issue, it’s foundational to democracy. Listen to Hedy Chang share why in this clip from our recent Exchange.

Take a listen to this clip from Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel from our recent State of the Field webinar. In this segment, Dr. Samuel shares why we should teach students to incorporate AI into their everyday skill set and move beyond labeling these tools as simply “positive” or "negative.” She encourages us to focus on helping students think critically about the information generated by large language models. You can view the entire State of the Field Webinar on demand here: casel.org/events/state-o…

⏰The clock is ticking to apply for the 2026–27 SEL Fellows Academy. Applications close at midnight on March 31! This virtual 10-month program brings together up to 45 district and regional office of education leaders from across North America who are leading SEL efforts and committed to strengthening their practice through meaningful community and collaboration . If you are looking to connect with like-minded leaders and deepen your impact, this is a powerful opportunity. Learn more and submit your application here: casel.org/systemic-imple…

We loved this recent article in Education Week exploring why sports can be a powerful way to incorporate social and emotional learning. The article highlights a CA school district that created a sports league to teach students how to play a sport while also intentionally building the social and emotional skills that help them become stronger teammates, both on the field and in everyday life. Read all about it here: edweek.org/leadership/wan…