Social-emotional learning in schools helps students develop invaluable personal and social skills that support academic, professional, and personal success. These skills include confidence in decision-making, overcoming hardships, building healthy relationships, and managing emotions. This learning includes “five main skills: self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision-making, self-management, and relationship skills.”
These skills can be taught as their own lessons or integrated into existing academic lessons to help students connect personally to their learning. As schools continue to expand learning, these skills are a vital part of cultivating supportive classroom environments that support student success.
Ways to Incorporate Social-Emotional Learning in the Classroom
1. Create Opportunities for Reflection
Throughout the school day, encourage students to reflect on what they are learning, their emotions, and their growth. Providing a set time for reflection allows students to build self-awareness and identify strengths and opportunities for growth.
2. Build Group Activities
Creating group activities allows students the opportunity to interact with and learn from their peers. Through group discussions and collaboration, students gain vital skills in social interactions, managing disagreements, improving communication, and fostering inclusive communities.
3. Incorporate Emotional Regulation Strategies
Supporting students with emotional regulation will look different depending on the targeted age group, and is vital for helping students navigate their academic and personal lives. Strategies for emotional regulation include practicing mindfulness, breathing, and positive self-talk to support students in managing and identifying their emotions.
Teachers Who Bring Social-Emotional Learning Into the Classroom
In celebrating our Honored National Teaching Award recipients, there are many who are instilling the skills of social-emotional learning in their students.
November 2024 Honoree Diana Fernandez helps students gain self and social awareness in her classroom. She is passionate about teaching students to celebrate themselves and others. One way she does this is by awarding gold medals to students who are working hard. In celebrating moments of success, she is instilling confidence and a community of camaraderie in her students. She cultivates a classroom where students learn that some days will be better than others, while allowing them space to accept those highs and lows. As one of her students’ parents said, “[My son’s] overall attitude about school completely shifted.”
June 2023 Honoree Kristy Pahvahtyah incorporates her Hopi culture and values into her classroom, which allows students to gain empathy and understanding for others who have different backgrounds. She shares history about her culture and instills the values of kyaps (respect for all things)i, nami’nangwa (helping others without being asked to or expecting any kind of compensation), sumi’nangwa (coming together to contribute something valuable to the community) in her classroom. As one of her former students’ parents said, “The way that [Kristy] was so proud of her culture translates to the kids as ‘Hey, I can be proud of my culture.’”
April 2025 Honoree Kiersten Wood teaches social awareness and inclusion in her community through celebrating everyone’s unique abilities. As a special education teacher, she is passionate about ensuring every student feels valued and included. She regularly creates and supports events designed with children with disabilities in mind, helping to promote inclusion so all students can participate. Through her teaching, students learn to celebrate each other and find a true sense of belonging. As one of her students’ parents said, “[Our son] has grown in so many different areas. It is night and day.”
Social-emotional learning equips students with skills that reach beyond the classroom and into their personal lives. Through building confidence, resilience, and empathy, they are prepared to thrive inside and outside of the classroom. If you have a teacher who has made a difference in your life through social-emotional learning, nominate them for our $5,000 Honored National Teaching Award!
