Teacher SEL: Programs, Possibilities, and Contexts

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teacher-sel-programs

Introduction

**Course Review: Teacher SEL: Programs, Possibilities, and Contexts on Coursera** In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, social and emotional learning (SEL) has gained significant momentum, particularly for students over the past decade. However, a crucial piece of the SEL puzzle remains overlooked: the social and emotional learning of teachers themselves. “Teacher SEL: Programs, Possibilities, and Contexts,” a course designed by Randy Testa and Dan Liston, seeks to address this gap by introducing established and innovative SEL programs specifically tailored for educators. As part of the broader five-course specialization, "The Teacher and Social Emotional Learning (SEL)," this course equips educators with the necessary tools and insights to enhance their emotional well-being and, in turn, improve their teaching practices. ### Course Overview The course is structured around several insightful modules, each of which explores distinct aspects of teacher SEL. Here’s a breakdown of the syllabus: 1. **Mindfulness in Teaching**: This module tackles the pressures that accompany teaching, offering mindfulness as a method for stress relief and self-exploration. Participants will learn various mindfulness strategies that can ease the burdens of the profession, helping teachers cultivate a more zen approach to their hectic days. 2. **Center for Courage and Renewal Programs for Teacher and Community Well-Being**: Here, the course focuses on reflective practices facilitated by the Center for Courage and Renewal, particularly their "Leading Together" program. This module emphasizes the importance of fostering trust and open communication among colleagues and the broader school community, demonstrating how these elements can enhance overall well-being. 3. **The Role of Narrative in Teachers' Social and Emotional Learning**: In this thought-provoking section, instructors advocate for the power of narrative and the humanities. By engaging with different forms of storytelling—be it through literature, film, or other media—teachers can gain deeper insights into their own identities and their students’ experiences, enriching their interactions and understanding in the classroom. 4. **Parents, Families, and Communities: Social and Emotional Learning in Context**: Understanding the multifaceted backgrounds of students is crucial for effective teaching. This module delves into how students’ off-stage lives—their family dynamics, cultural backgrounds, and personal histories—impact their performance in school. It equips teachers with a nuanced perspective on these dynamics and practical strategies for enhancing their relationships with students and families. ### Strengths of the Course - **Comprehensive Approach**: The course uniquely addresses not only the professional development of teachers but also their emotional well-being, making it a holistic resource for educators. - **Diverse Perspectives**: With content that explores various SEL programs and frameworks, educators will be exposed to a range of methodologies, which fosters critical thinking and encourages them to adapt practices to their unique contexts. - **Reflective Practice**: The emphasis on narrative and reflection fosters a deeper understanding of both personal and professional identities, encouraging teachers to become lifelong learners. - **Community Focus**: The module on community and family involvement illustrates the interconnectedness of home and classroom, which is essential for building strong student-teacher relationships. ### Recommendation I highly recommend “Teacher SEL: Programs, Possibilities, and Contexts” for all educators seeking to rejuvenate their teaching practice and cultivate a supportive teaching environment. This course not only empowers teachers to be mindful of their own emotional health but also equips them with strategies to positively impact their students and communities. As we strive towards fostering a more empathetic and understanding classroom, this course serves as a vital tool in shaping effective and compassionate educators. Enrolling in this course could be one of the best professional development decisions you make. Experience the transformative power of SEL and join a community of educators dedicated to making a difference in their classrooms, schools, and beyond.

Syllabus

Mindfulness in teaching

Since stress and anxiety accompany many teachers’ work settings and arise from a variety of sources, we look for ways to reduce that stress. Mindfulness programs provide one source of relief for work related stress and, for some, an avenue for self and other exploration. Here we describe some aspects of those programs and encourage those so inclined to seek out such experiences.

The Center for Courage and Renewal’s programs for teachers encourage reflection on the social and emotional dimensions of teaching. In this module we focus on Center’s “Leading Together” program, one that encourages trust and communication within a school’s adult community.

Echoing Mark Edmundson (Why Read?) and other writers on the prominent role of the humanities in a liberal arts education, we argue for and elaborate the role of narrative and the humanities in teacher education and teacher professional development. In this module we show how narrative -- film, fiction, and other similar “texts”-- can be used to explore more fully one’s humanity in teaching, offer insights into the role of teacher, and come to a richer and fuller understanding of one’s students.

This module examines the importance of understanding that students’ rich offstage lives affect at every turn their lives within the classroom and school. A set of readings explores the “ghosts” in parents’ and teachers’ pasts and how those biographical experiences affect parent-teacher-student interactions. Another reading poignantly details the devastating impact for an immigrant child of being unknown --by both her teacher and her classmates. And a third reading delineates how a teacher’s/parent’s faith affects their understanding of public schooling and their zeal for reform.