Supporting the Social and Emotional Needs of Educators and Students

Date: April 29, 2020

This three-part webinar series, hosted by REL West, the Region 15 Comprehensive Center, and the National Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety, is designed to support the social and emotional needs of educators and students during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Webinar 1: Strategies for Districts to Support Self-Care for Educators During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Webinar 2: Strategies for Educators to Support the Social and Emotional Needs of Students Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Demand for Racial Justice: Plans for Reopening Schools
• Webinar 3: Seizing the Moment: Race Equity Mindsets, Social and Emotional Well-Being, and Outcomes for Students

Webinar 1: Strategies for Districts to Support Self-Care for Educators During the COVID-19 Pandemic

April 29, 2020

Many lives have been significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of students are now learning at home, thousands of educators are teaching from home, and entire families and communities are on lockdown. In order to support others, however, educators must support themselves first.

This webinar offers practical information and guidance backed by research to help school staff cope with the stresses of school closures, service provision, and quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presenters define the concept of self-care and discuss its importance for educators to address their own needs, so they are better able to support the needs of students and their school community. Strategies discussed align with three overarching themes:

• Healthy mindsets
• Connectedness and belonging
• Healthy, realistic boundaries and interactions

Presenters

• 
  Dr. Christina Pate is the deputy director of the National Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety. Her expertise includes school climate, social and emotional learning, health, wellness, and trauma-informed practices. She brings decades of experience as a clinician, applied researcher, and facilitator.
• 
  Dr. Kaylene Case is a Behavior Specialist and School Psychologist for Douglas County School District in Colorado. She specializes in trauma and education and will be sharing her expertise as a staff developer and teacher coach.

Audience

The target audience for this webinar is district-level educators who support the social and emotional development and well-being of teachers and students.

Resources

• Webinar Recording:
  
• Agenda
• Slides
• Transcript
• Handout

Webinar 2: Strategies for Educators to Support the Social and Emotional Needs of Students Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Demand for Racial Justice: Plans for Reopening Schools

July 29, 2020

Educators and students alike are facing unprecedented uncertainty around the 2020-2021 school year. Regardless of how learning is organized—remote, in-person, or hybrid—it is crucial for schools to focus on restoring environments and relationships that support student wellness, connection, and ultimately, achievement.

Panelists shared evidence-based information about social and emotional competencies that educators can use to rebuild conditions of success for students. Using a trauma-informed lens, strategies addressed:

• Creating safe and supportive school environments
• Promoting family and community communication and collaboration
• Fostering collective care

Resources

• Webinar Recording:
  
• Agenda
• Slides
• Transcript
• Handout

Webinar 3: Seizing the Moment: Race Equity Mindsets, Social and Emotional Well-Being, and Outcomes for Students

October 30, 2020

This webinar and panel discussion addressed the interrelationships among race equity mindsets, social and emotional well-being, and outcomes for Black, Latinx, and other students of color. Presenters shared evidence on why equity in schools is key to improving student outcomes and discussed how educators can shift mindsets to support positive student social and emotional development and build equitable education systems.

Participants learned about new research on equity mindsets and promising and practical strategies to:

• Advance equitable learning environments for Black, Latinx, and other students of color
• Promote positive relationships among educators, students, and families
• Foster agency and belonging for all students

Resources

• Webinar Recording:
  
• Agenda
• Slides
• Transcript
• Webinar Handout
• Webinar Resources