The Teacher's Social and Emotional Learning from Coursera

Social and emotional learning, or SEL, programs have flourished in schools during the last decade. While this growth has been impressive, inadequate attention has been paid to teachers’ social and emotional learning. In this course Dan Liston and Randy Testa introduce you to various rationales for why teacher SEL is needed as well as examine and reflect on various emotions in teaching and learning.

This course is a part of the 5-course Specialization “The Teacher and Social Emotional Learning (SEL)”. Interested in earning 3 university credits from the University of Colorado-Boulder for this specialization?? If so check out "How you can earn 3 university credits from the University of Colorado-Boulder for this specialization" reading in the first module of this course for additional information.

We want to note that the courses in this Specialization were designed with a three-credit university course load in mind. As a participant you may notice a bit more reading content and a little less video/lecture content. Completing and passing the SEL Specialization allows the participant to apply for 3 graduate credits toward teacher re-certification and professional enhancement. We want to ensure the quality and high standards of a University of Colorado learning experience.

Interested in earning 3 graduate credits from the University of Colorado-Boulder for The Teacher and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialization? Check out "How you can earn 3 university credits from the University of Colorado-Boulder for this specialization" reading in the first week of this course for more information.

What's inside

Syllabus

Why SEL and the teacher?

Here we introduce what SEL is and why it is important for all teachers. We elaborate the need for the teacher to enhance her/his knowledge of self, especially his/her own social and emotional terrain. A guiding premise is that deeper teacher self-understanding facilitates and enhances deeper student relations and greater chances for the transformative possibilities for student and teacher. A related premise is that by examining our deeply held cherished beliefs and emotional responses to situations and texts, we create opportunities for further insights into why and the ways we teach.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines rationales for why teacher SEL is necessary

Develops an awareness of emotions in teaching and learning

Taught by instructors Dan Liston and Randy Testa, recognized experts in SEL

Helps teachers enhance their self-knowledge

Explores the impact of teaching on teachers' emotions

Examines the values of grit and wholeness in teaching

Reviews summary

Reflective sel for teachers

According to learners, this course offers deep insights and encourages essential self-reflection for educators, validating the emotional experience of teaching. Many found the material thought-provoking and highly relevant. However, students note the course is very heavy on academic readings and light on video lectures, which some found challenging or overwhelming. It requires a significant time commitment and genuine engagement, providing a solid foundation for the full specialization but less focus on immediate practical application for some.

Valuable and thought-provoking content.

"This course was incredibly insightful."

"Provided a much-needed perspective on teacher SEL. The content was thought-provoking and relevant."

"Fantastic course! It changed how I view my own emotional landscape as a teacher."

"This course offers valuable insights into teacher well-being and emotions."

Promotes deep self-reflection for teachers.

"It really made me reflect on my own emotions and how they impact my teaching."

"The focus on self-reflection is key."

"Absolutely essential for educators. This course validates the emotional toll of teaching and provides frameworks for understanding it."

"It encouraged deep introspection which is crucial for teachers."

Strong theory, less immediate application.

"Some parts felt a bit theoretical, could have used more practical examples for classroom application."

"Didn't find it as practical as I hoped for immediate classroom use."

"A bit more guidance on applying the concepts practically would be helpful."

Requires significant time commitment.

"It requires a significant time commitment for the readings and reflection activities."

"It's not a 'quick fix' course, requires genuine engagement."

"Prepare for serious reading."

Significant focus on dense academic readings.

"The readings were very dense and sometimes felt overwhelming."

"Too much reading! The concepts are interesting but buried in academic text. I struggled to stay engaged without more interactive elements."

"Very heavy on academic readings, light on video lectures. I had to put in a lot of extra effort to process the information."

"The readings were heavy but valuable."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Teacher's Social and Emotional Learning with these activities:

Review materials from prior courses

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Revisiting SEL concepts from prior experiences will help you have a stronger foundation and better understand the key takeaways of this course.

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List down the SEL theories, models, and frameworks you have studied in the past.
Revisit your notes, assignments, and quizzes from prior SEL courses.
Record the key takeaways and reflections you had about SEL.

Review Basic Social Psychology

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Strengthen your understanding of social psychology concepts to better understand student behavior and dynamics.

Browse courses on Social Psychology

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Review your previous coursework or study materials on social psychology.
Focus on concepts such as group dynamics, conformity, and interpersonal communication.
Consider how these concepts apply to teaching and learning.

Review Educational Psychology

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Refresh your knowledge of educational psychology to better understand student learning and development.

Browse courses on Educational Psychology

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Review your previous coursework or study materials on educational psychology.
Focus on topics such as learning theories, motivation, and assessment.
Consider how these concepts apply to teaching and learning.

Six other activities

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Discuss the Role of Emotions in Teaching

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Engage with peers to share experiences, perspectives, and strategies for managing emotions in teaching.

Browse courses on Collaboration

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Find a peer group or online forum to connect with other teachers.
Share your own experiences and challenges with emotions in teaching.
Listen to and learn from the experiences of your peers.

Read "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ"

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Become familiar with the concept of emotional intelligence (EQ) and its significance in teaching and learning.

View Emotional Intelligence on Amazon

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Preview the book by reading the introduction and first chapter.
Read each chapter and take notes on key concepts.
Reflect on how EQ relates to your own teaching experiences.

Reflect on Emotions in Teaching

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Enhance your ability to recognize and understand your emotions in teaching situations.

Browse courses on Emotional Awareness

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Identify a challenging teaching situation you have experienced.
Write down all the emotions you felt during that situation.
Analyze the triggers and consequences of each emotion.

Volunteer as a Mentor or Tutor

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Gain practical experience and enhance your understanding of SEL by mentoring or tutoring students.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Identify organizations where you can volunteer as a mentor or tutor.
Commit to a regular schedule and prepare lesson plans or activities.
Provide support and guidance to students, focusing on SEL skills.

Create a Personal SEL Plan

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Develop a personalized plan to enhance your social and emotional skills as a teacher.

Browse courses on Social Emotional Learning

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Identify areas where you want to improve your SEL.
Research strategies and techniques for self-improvement.
Create a plan that outlines specific goals, activities, and a timeline.

Contribute to SEL Open Source Projects

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Engage with the broader SEL community by contributing to open source projects and sharing your insights.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Find open source projects related to SEL on platforms like GitHub.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as documentation, code, or research.
Reach out to the project maintainers and offer your support.

Career center

Learners who complete The Teacher's Social and Emotional Learning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Teacher Educator

As a Teacher Educator, you will be responsible for preparing and supporting future teachers. This course can help you enhance your teaching practice by providing you with a deeper understanding of your own social and emotional experiences, as well as those of your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher Educator

Teacher

As a Teacher, you will be responsible for educating and inspiring students. This course can help you enhance your teaching practice by providing you with a deeper understanding of your own social and emotional experiences, as well as those of your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Principal

As a Principal, you will be responsible for leading and managing a school. This course may be useful for your career as it provides insights into the social and emotional challenges and rewards of teaching, which can help you better support your teachers and create a positive learning environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Principal

School Counselor

As a School Counselor, you will provide academic, career, and personal counseling to students. This course may be useful for your career as it provides insights into the social and emotional experiences of teachers, which can help you better understand and support students.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Counselor

Education Consultant

As an Education Consultant, you will be responsible for providing guidance and support to schools and other educational organizations. This course may be useful for your career as it provides insights into the social and emotional challenges and opportunities faced by teachers and students, which can help you provide more effective and tailored support.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Consultant

Education Advocate

As an Education Advocate, you will be responsible for promoting and protecting the rights of students and educators. This course may be useful for your career as it provides insights into the social and emotional challenges and opportunities faced by teachers and students, which can help you better understand and address the issues they face.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Advocate

Education Policy Analyst

As an Education Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing and evaluating educational policies and programs. This course may be useful for your career as it provides insights into the social and emotional challenges and rewards of teaching, which can help you develop more effective and equitable policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Policy Analyst

Education Journalist

As an Education Journalist, you will be responsible for reporting on and analyzing educational issues and trends. This course may be useful for your career as it provides insights into the social and emotional challenges and opportunities faced by teachers and students, which can help you write more informed and impactful stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Journalist

Educational Researcher

As an Educational Researcher, you will be responsible for conducting research on educational issues and developing evidence-based practices. This course may be useful for your career as it provides insights into the social and emotional experiences of teachers, which can help you better understand and address the challenges and opportunities they face.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Researcher

Educational Psychologist

In your role as an Educational Psychologist, you will apply your expertise in psychology to improve educational systems and student outcomes. This course may be useful for your career as it explores the social and emotional learning of teachers, which is a key factor in student success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Psychologist

Instructional Designer

As an Instructional Designer, you will be responsible for designing and developing educational materials and programs. This course may be useful for your career as it provides insights into the social and emotional needs of teachers and students, which can help you create more effective and engaging learning experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Education Technology Specialist

As an Education Technology Specialist, you will be responsible for integrating technology into educational settings. This course may be useful for your career as it provides insights into the social and emotional challenges and opportunities faced by teachers and students, which can help you develop and implement more effective and engaging technology-based learning experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Technology Specialist

Higher Education Administrator

As a Higher Education Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and leading colleges and universities. This course may be useful for your career as it provides insights into the social and emotional experiences of teachers and students, which can help you better understand and support the needs of your institution's faculty and students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Higher Education Administrator

Nonprofit Program Director

As a Nonprofit Program Director, you will be responsible for leading and managing educational programs and initiatives. This course may be useful for your career as it provides insights into the social and emotional needs of teachers and students, which can help you create more effective and engaging programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Director

Curriculum Developer

As a Curriculum Developer, you will be responsible for designing and developing educational materials and programs. This course may be useful for your career as it provides insights into the social and emotional needs of teachers and students, which can help you create more effective and engaging learning experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer