Episode 56

full
Published on:

5th Feb 2025

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

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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About the Podcast

Digital Learning Today
From Strategic Vision to System-Wide Impact
How do we lead sustainable change in our schools? Digital Learning Today, hosted by Jeff Bradbury, explores the big-picture ideas and strategic systems that shape the future of education. This podcast is for the forward-thinking leader—the principal, district administrator, or instructional coach focused on systemic growth. Each episode dives into topics like digital learning leadership, school improvement plans, and building a culture of innovation. Subscribe to join the conversation on designing the high-impact schools of tomorrow.
Whether you're looking to enhance student engagement, master new educational tools, or build stronger classroom relationships, our show provides the actionable advice you need to succeed in today's digital learning environment. Join us weekly for professional development that's both inspiring and immediately applicable.

About your host

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Jeffrey Bradbury

Jeff Bradbury is a globally-recognized educator, educational broadcaster, public speaker, and entrepreneur whose powerful message has inspired thousands of educators through the TeacherCast Educational Network.