Author

Hilary Turpin

Term

Spring 2025

Capstone

Capstone Project

Degree Name

MAEd

Facilitator(s)

Maggie Struck

Content Expert

Megan Maury & Meghan Swenson

Abstract

This capstone project presents a thoughtfully developed professional development course to facilitate the effective integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) within educational environments. By emphasizing the importance of social and emotional competencies, this initiative seeks to enhance the overall educational experience and foster an inclusive and productive atmosphere that benefits educators and students alike. Each session is carefully structured to establish a solid foundation for educators, empowering them to weave SEL strategies into their teaching practices seamlessly. The project underscores the importance of social-emotional learning for students and educators, acknowledging that nurturing these skills in teachers is crucial for them to impart them to their students successfully. In addition to offering practical applications, the project delves into the theoretical foundations of systemic social-emotional learning, particularly highlighting the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) 5 framework, which encompasses self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. An extensive literature review reveals the concerning trend of inadequate preparation many educators receive in managing student behavior and teaching essential social skills. This oversight often contributes to heightened stress levels and burnout among teachers. The primary goal of this project is to alleviate the challenges educators face by equipping them with the knowledge and practical tools required to understand and educate the whole student. It recognizes that effective teaching transcends academic instruction in incorporating emotional and social dimensions. This project aims to foster a more supportive and effective learning environment for students and educators by enhancing teachers' capabilities in this essential area

Project Type

Professional Development

Keywords

Classroom Management, Staff Development, Social Emotional Learning

dc_type

text

dc_publisher

DigitalCommons@Hamline

dc_format

application/pdf

dc_source

School of Education Student Capstone Projects

Included in

Education Commons

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