Upcoming Events
Past Events
This virtual, interactive two-session program will help individuals and teams from schools, districts, and other youth-serving organizations develop a shared understanding of the intersections of SEL and social justice. Participants will 1) develop a clear rationale why successful SEL implementation depends upon this intersection 2) assess the current state of leveraging SEL in service of social justice and equity in your community (including strengths, gaps, resistance and opportunities), and 3) leave with new insights and resources for implementation.
Format
Two 2.5 hours sessions
- Participants will be encouraged to attend with other team members from your school, district and/ or community organization.
- Participants will meet in the same cohort configuration for both sessions, so as to develop a sense of community and strengthen networks of support.
Dates
Session 1: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 – 4:00-6:30pm
Session 2: Wednesday, September 20, 2023 – 4:00-6:30pm
Kamilah Drummond-Forrester, a lead designer for this Intersecting SEL, Social Justice and Equity two-part series, is a speaker, consultant and workshop presenter on topics of educational equity, anti-racism, self-care and social and emotional learning. She has written about these topics in the Women Change Worlds blog and has articles in esteemed educational publications such as EdSurge, The 74million, and the Hechinger Report. Most recently, Kamilah was the Director of the Open Circle social and emotional learning program for children in elementary schools. She is a board member of the state social and emotional learning advocacy organization, SEL4MA and a steering committee member of the national SEL Providers Council. In all of her roles, Kamilah’s passion for social justice and the social and emotional wellbeing of children fuels her commitment to advocating for and educating others about the inextricable connections between social and emotional learning (SEL), social justice and anti-racism. Kamilah is also a trained leader with the National SEED Project where she has led cohorts of colleagues, educators and parents through year-long community building experiences that leverage the power of story-telling, self-reflection and truth-telling to bridge build and empower.
Catherine Wong, a lead designer for this Intersecting SEL, Social Justice and Equity two-part series, leads global and national organizations and higher education programs in developing strategy, collective leadership, curriculum and training centering diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. Her effectiveness is the result of her direct ability to advocate from the heart and be unwavering in supporting youth and educators/professionals of color. Ms. Wong’s leadership experience spans PK-12 through higher education. She has held clinical faculty and director positions at Leadership Brainery, Boston; Urban Outreach Initiatives, Boston College; University of the Middle East Project, Cambridge, MA; and the Counseling Department, UMass Boston. Ms. Wong also serves on the SEL-TEd Steering Committee; Boston Public Schools Equity Roundtable; Co-Chair of Leadership Brainery’s Board of Directors, Board of Advisors for E3, Education, Excellence and Equity; and, as an Expert Panelist for the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB).
Marcus Penny has over 10 years of experience leading and learning in large urban school districts across the US. He works with a variety of administrations to recruit, monitor, and maintain educators and staff members of color as well as implement anti-racism strategies throughout school communities. Marcus has been recognized by the US Department of Education for his leadership in implementing culturally relevant, inclusion strategies for diverse groups of learners. He currently serves as STEM Instructional Coach for Boston Public Schools.
Colleen Galvin Labbe has been an educator for 20 years, more than half of those in the Boston Public Schools in various teaching positions, including as a classroom teacher, intervention specialist supporting students who have been historically marginalized in becoming independent learners; and as an instructional coach, working with principals, teachers, and community partners to align culturally responsive SEL practices in-and-out of school. Colleen is dedicated to advancing education practices that promote transformative SEL in school communities, and is currently a Social-Emotional and Academic Development [SEAD] Instructional Coach in the Boston Public Schools. Colleen has held teacher leadership roles in her district and state, including as a Teach Plus Policy Fellow, and most recently as a member of the Safe & Supportive Schools Commission of Massachusetts. She has presented in national conferences about integrating SEL into academic content areas, with a focus on elevating identity, belonging, agency, collaborative problem solving and curiosity.
This virtual, interactive two-session program will help individuals and teams from schools, districts, and other youth-serving organizations develop a shared understanding of the intersections of SEL and social justice. Participants will 1) develop a clear rationale why successful SEL implementation depends upon this intersection 2) assess the current state of leveraging SEL in service of social justice and equity in your community (including strengths, gaps, resistance and opportunities), and 3) leave with new insights and resources for implementation.
Format
Two 2.5 hours sessions
- Participants will be encouraged to attend with other team members from your school, district and/ or community organization.
- Participants will meet in the same cohort configuration for both sessions, so as to develop a sense of community and strengthen networks of support.
Dates
Session 1: Wednesday, June 7 – 4:00-6:30pm
Session 2: Wednesday, June 14 – 4:00-6:30pm
Kamilah Drummond-Forrester, a lead designer for this Intersecting SEL, Social Justice and Equity two-part series, is a speaker, consultant and workshop presenter on topics of educational equity, anti-racism, self-care and social and emotional learning. She has written about these topics in the Women Change Worlds blog and has articles in esteemed educational publications such as EdSurge, The 74million, and the Hechinger Report. Most recently, Kamilah was the Director of the Open Circle social and emotional learning program for children in elementary schools. She is a board member of the state social and emotional learning advocacy organization, SEL4MA and a steering committee member of the national SEL Providers Council. In all of her roles, Kamilah’s passion for social justice and the social and emotional wellbeing of children fuels her commitment to advocating for and educating others about the inextricable connections between social and emotional learning (SEL), social justice and anti-racism. Kamilah is also a trained leader with the National SEED Project where she has led cohorts of colleagues, educators and parents through year-long community building experiences that leverage the power of story-telling, self-reflection and truth-telling to bridge build and empower.
Catherine Wong, a lead designer for this Intersecting SEL, Social Justice and Equity two-part series, leads global and national organizations and higher education programs in developing strategy, collective leadership, curriculum and training centering diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. Her effectiveness is the result of her direct ability to advocate from the heart and be unwavering in supporting youth and educators/professionals of color. Ms. Wong’s leadership experience spans PK-12 through higher education. She has held clinical faculty and director positions at Leadership Brainery, Boston; Urban Outreach Initiatives, Boston College; University of the Middle East Project, Cambridge, MA; and the Counseling Department, UMass Boston. Ms. Wong also serves on the SEL-TEd Steering Committee; Boston Public Schools Equity Roundtable; Co-Chair of Leadership Brainery’s Board of Directors, Board of Advisors for E3, Education, Excellence and Equity; and, as an Expert Panelist for the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB).
Marcus Penny has over 10 years of experience leading and learning in large urban school districts across the US. He works with a variety of administrations to recruit, monitor, and maintain educators and staff members of color as well as implement anti-racism strategies throughout school communities. Marcus has been recognized by the US Department of Education for his leadership in implementing culturally relevant, inclusion strategies for diverse groups of learners. He currently serves as Science Instructional Coach for the B.E.E.S. Program in the Boston Public School System.
Colleen Galvin Labbe has been an educator for 20 years, more than half of those in the Boston Public Schools in various teaching positions, including as a classroom teacher, intervention specialist supporting students who have been historically marginalized in becoming independent learners; and as an instructional coach, working with principals, teachers, and community partners to align culturally responsive SEL practices in-and-out of school. Colleen is dedicated to advancing education practices that promote transformative SEL in school communities, and is currently a Social-Emotional and Academic Development [SEAD] Instructional Coach in the Boston Public Schools. Colleen has held teacher leadership roles in her district and state, including as a Teach Plus Policy Fellow, and most recently as a member of the Safe & Supportive Schools Commission of Massachusetts. She has presented in national conferences about integrating SEL into academic content areas, with a focus on elevating identity, belonging, agency, collaborative problem solving and curiosity.
SEL4US and The Urban Assembly invite schools and communities around the globe to celebrate the fourth annual International SEL Day on Friday, March 10, 2023. Our theme this year is: Uplifting Hearts, Connecting Minds.
This virtual, interactive two-session program will help individuals and teams from schools, districts, and other youth-serving organizations develop a shared understanding of the intersections of SEL and social justice. Participants will 1) develop a clear rationale why successful SEL implementation depends upon this intersection 2) assess the current state of leveraging SEL in service of social justice and equity in your community (including strengths, gaps, resistance and opportunities), and 3) leave with new insights and resources for implementation.
Format
Two 2.5 hours sessions
- Participants will be encouraged to attend with other team members from your school, district and/ or community organization.
- Participants will meet in the same cohort configuration for both sessions, so as to develop a sense of community and strengthen networks of support.
Dates
Session 1: Tuesday, January 17 – 4:00-6:30pm
Session 2: Wednesday, January 25 – 4:00-6:30pm
Session 1: Tuesday, January 31 – 4:00-6:30pm
Session 2: Wednesday, February 8 – 4:00-6:30pm
Kamilah Drummond-Forrester, a lead designer for this Intersecting SEL, Social Justice and Equity two-part series, is a speaker, consultant and workshop presenter on topics of educational equity, anti-racism, self-care and social and emotional learning. She has written about these topics in the Women Change Worlds blog and has articles in esteemed educational publications such as EdSurge, The 74million, and the Hechinger Report. Most recently, Kamilah was the Director of the Open Circle social and emotional learning program for children in elementary schools. She is a board member of the state social and emotional learning advocacy organization, SEL4MA and a steering committee member of the national SEL Providers Council. In all of her roles, Kamilah’s passion for social justice and the social and emotional wellbeing of children fuels her commitment to advocating for and educating others about the inextricable connections between social and emotional learning (SEL), social justice and anti-racism. Kamilah is also a trained leader with the National SEED Project where she has led cohorts of colleagues, educators and parents through year-long community building experiences that leverage the power of story-telling, self-reflection and truth-telling to bridge build and empower.
Catherine Wong, a lead designer for this Intersecting SEL, Social Justice and Equity two-part series, leads global and national organizations and higher education programs in developing strategy, collective leadership, curriculum and training centering diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. Her effectiveness is the result of her direct ability to advocate from the heart and be unwavering in supporting youth and educators/professionals of color. Ms. Wong’s leadership experience spans PK-12 through higher education. She has held clinical faculty and director positions at Leadership Brainery, Boston; Urban Outreach Initiatives, Boston College; University of the Middle East Project, Cambridge, MA; and the Counseling Department, UMass Boston. Ms. Wong also serves on the SEL-TEd Steering Committee; Boston Public Schools Equity Roundtable; Co-Chair of Leadership Brainery’s Board of Directors, Board of Advisors for E3, Education, Excellence and Equity; and, as an Expert Panelist for the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB).
Marcus Penny has over 10 years of experience leading and learning in large urban school districts across the US. He works with a variety of administrations to recruit, monitor, and maintain educators and staff members of color as well as implement anti-racism strategies throughout school communities. Marcus has been recognized by the US Department of Education for his leadership in implementing culturally relevant, inclusion strategies for diverse groups of learners. He currently serves as Science Instructional Coach for the B.E.E.S. Program in the Boston Public School System.
Colleen Galvin Labbe has been an educator for 20 years, more than half of those in the Boston Public Schools in various teaching positions, including as a classroom teacher, intervention specialist supporting students who have been historically marginalized in becoming independent learners; and as an instructional coach, working with principals, teachers, and community partners to align culturally responsive SEL practices in-and-out of school. Colleen is dedicated to advancing education practices that promote transformative SEL in school communities, and is currently a Social-Emotional and Academic Development [SEAD] Instructional Coach in the Boston Public Schools. Colleen has held teacher leadership roles in her district and state, including as a Teach Plus Policy Fellow, and most recently as a member of the Safe & Supportive Schools Commission of Massachusetts. She has presented in national conferences about integrating SEL into academic content areas, with a focus on elevating identity, belonging, agency, collaborative problem solving and curiosity.
Due to generous support received, you can register for this event at no charge.
Discover new approaches to strengthen and enhance social and emotional learning in your community
Whether you have a strong SEL approach that you are seeking to enhance or you are looking to head in a new direction, this event will provide you with valuable options and strategies. Learn from national experts and exchange tips with other local SEL champions in this dynamic professional development event.
Through the virtual conference platform, experience interactive plenary presentations, select a choice of live breakout sessions, explore exhibit booths, and network with other participants.
Topic include:
- Intersecting SEL, social justice, and equity in school and out-of-school time organizations
- Strategies for effective SEL from birth through grade 12
- Responding effectively to attacks on SEL
- Addressing potential pandemic-induced developmental delays
- SEL as a key factor in staff recruitment and retention
- Innovative digital approaches to SEL
Register at no charge
Join for all or part of the day. Take action now to ensure yourself a spot!
Join us for a conversation about culturally responsive social and emotional learning (SEL) that will lift up voices from Asian American & Pacific Islander and Latinx communities in the Greater Boston area. This webinar builds on the webinar in February that focused on SEL and Black and Native Indigenous communities in our region.
Dr. Karen Craddock, SEL4MA Board Member and principal lead of this project, which is funded by the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, will facilitate a conversation with participant-leaders sharing their reflections and insight about the project and emerging findings. Dr. Craddock will be joined by Catherine Wong, Director and Founder, Catherine Wong Consults; Education, Training and Research, and Eleonora Villegas-Reimers, Clinical Professor of Education and Chair of the Teaching and Learning Department at Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, who facilitated the recent listening sessions.
Hosted by the Social-Emotional Learning Alliance for Texas (SEL4TX), this virtual event provides a full day of high quality sessions presented by SEL thought leaders from around the nation and across the state.
With growing challenges in education, widening gaps in student learning, and educator burnout at an all-time high, the need for SEL in schools has never been greater.
This virtual, interactive two-session program will focus primarily on helping individuals and teams from schools, districts, and other youth-serving organizations develop a shared understanding of the intersections of SEL and social justice.
Participants will:
- Develop a clear rationale why successful SEL implementation is contingent upon this intersection
- Assess the current state of leveraging SEL in service of social justice and equity in your community, including strengths, gaps, resistance, and opportunities
- Leave with new insights and resources for implementation.
Format
Two 2.5 hours sessions
- Participants will be encouraged to attend with other team members from your school, district, and/ or community organization.
- Participants will meet in the same cohort configuration for both sessions, so as to develop a sense of community and strengthen networks of support.
Dates
Cohort 1 (Sold Out):
Session 1: Thursday, June 2, 4:00 – 6:30pm
Session 2: Thursday, June 9 , 4:00 – 6:30pm
Session 1: Wednesday, June 1, 4:00 – 6:30pm
Session 2: Wednesday, June 8, 4:00 – 6:30pm
Session 1: Tuesday, June 7, 4:00 – 6:30pm
Session 2: Tuesday, June 14, 4:00 – 6:30pm
Kamilah Drummond-Forrester, a lead designer for this Intersecting SEL, Social Justice and Equity two-part series, is a speaker, consultant and workshop presenter on topics of educational equity, anti-racism, self-care and social and emotional learning. She has written about these topics in the Women Change Worlds blog and has articles in esteemed educational publications such as EdSurge, The 74million, and the Hechinger Report. Most recently, Kamilah was the Director of the Open Circle social and emotional learning program for children in elementary schools. She is a board member of the state social and emotional learning advocacy organization, SEL4MA and a steering committee member of the national SEL Providers Council. In all of her roles, Kamilah’s passion for social justice and the social and emotional wellbeing of children fuels her commitment to advocating for and educating others about the inextricable connections between social and emotional learning (SEL), social justice and anti-racism. Kamilah is also a trained leader with the National SEED Project where she has led cohorts of colleagues, educators and parents through year-long community building experiences that leverage the power of story-telling, self-reflection and truth-telling to bridge build and empower.
Catherine Wong, a lead designer for this Intersecting SEL, Social Justice and Equity two-part series, leads global and national organizations and higher education programs in developing strategy, collective leadership, curriculum and training centering diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. Her effectiveness is the result of her direct ability to advocate from the heart and be unwavering in supporting youth and educators/professionals of color. Ms. Wong’s leadership experience spans PK-12 through higher education. She has held clinical faculty and director positions at Leadership Brainery, Boston; Urban Outreach Initiatives, Boston College; University of the Middle East Project, Cambridge, MA; and the Counseling Department, UMass Boston. Ms. Wong also serves on the SEL-TEd Steering Committee; Boston Public Schools Equity Roundtable; Co-Chair of Leadership Brainery’s Board of Directors, Board of Advisors for E3, Education, Excellence and Equity; and, as an Expert Panelist for the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB).
Marcus Penny has over 10 years of experience leading and learning in large urban school districts across the US. He works with a variety of administrations to recruit, monitor, and maintain educators and staff members of color as well as implement anti-racism strategies throughout school communities. Marcus has been recognized by the US Department of Education for his leadership in implementing culturally relevant, inclusion strategies for diverse groups of learners. He currently serves as Science Instructional Coach for the B.E.E.S. Program in the Boston Public School System.
Rachel Poliner consults widely on whole student approaches and constructive school communities for young people and adults. Her work focuses on school climate, instructional, and structural reforms: K-12 social and emotional learning, middle and high school advisory programs, teams and teacher leadership, and improving faculty climate. Since 2012, Ms. Poliner has helped build the Social and Emotional Learning Alliance for Massachusetts. Her most recent book is Teaching the Whole Teen: Everyday Practices That Promote Success and Resilience in School and Life.
Join us this webinar to learn and share about resources and opportunities that support work to foster the social and emotional growth and well-being of young people, families, and staff across Massachusetts.
Highlights will include:
- No-cost options for professional development and consultation to strengthen SEL and mental health in MA schools and districts
- New funding opportunities for SEL in MA out-of-school time settings
- Peer sharing networks to inform and deepen your SEL practice
- Communication campaigns to raise visibility for SEL efforts by your community or organization
- Advocacy efforts to promote policy to advance SEL and culturally responsive, inclusive education across the Commonwealth
Join us in celebrating International SEL Day on March 11 by taking part in this dynamic webinar!
SEL4US and The Urban Assembly invite schools and communities around the globe to celebrate the third annual International SEL Day on Friday, March 11, 2022. Our theme this year is: Finding Common Ground, Pursuing Common Good.