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We have so many initiatives to tackle in our schools lately, from project based learning to the science of reading. It can be nice to give yourself the gift of focusing on trainings and professional development books about SEL, too. As educators, we’re all aware of the profound impact that Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has on students. It’s not just about academic success; it’s about fostering emotionally intelligent, empathetic, and well-rounded kids! To help you stay on top of the latest trends and best practices, here are five professional development books about SEL, all published in the last five years.
1. “Permission to Feel” by Marc Brackett (2019)
Emotions are at the core of SEL, and Marc Brackett, a renowned researcher and educator from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, delves deep into this topic. In “Permission to Feel,” he explores how understanding and embracing our emotions can lead to healthier relationships and improved teaching. Brackett’s approach is practical and rooted in years of research. His department at Yale developed RULER, which is an SEL framework used in schools all over the world. He dives into the RULER tools in this book, including the Mood Meter.
2. “We Got This.” by Cornelius Minor (2020)
Cornelius Minor’s book, “We Got This,” may not seem like a typical SEL book, but it’s packed with insights into building relationships with students and fostering a positive classroom environment. Minor’s approach focuses on equity, engagement, and the power of teacher-student connections. While equity and SEL are not interchangeable, there is a very direct correlation between the two! It’s important to know that they are symbiotic, as this book perfectly highlights.
3. “The Trauma Sensitive Classroom” by Patricia A. Jennings (2018)
Unlike many professional development books about SEL, Patricia A. Jennings offers practical strategies for integrating social emotional themes into your teaching practices that can create trauma sensitive classrooms. While many books focus on stand alone lessons, this book shares the beauty of embedding trauma sensitive practices into all you do. The book is filled with evidence-based techniques to help connect compassion, resilience, and Jennings emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in the classroom.
4. “SEL Every Day: Integrating Social and Emotional Learning with Instruction in Secondary Classrooms” by Meena Srinivasan (2019)
Meena Srinivasan’s book focuses on the challenges of incorporating SEL into the secondary classroom. It provides educators with a wealth of strategies to seamlessly integrate social-emotional learning into their existing curriculum, making it relevant and meaningful for older students, focusing on the more nuanced skills that our secondary students need to develop and learn. Our bigger kids are often forgotten in the world of SEL, and this book really brings back grounded strategies for keeping SEL alive in the upper grades.
5. “The Art of Screen Time: How Your Family Can Balance Digital Media and Real Life” by Anya Kamenetz (2018)
This book by Anya Kamenetz explores the intersection of technology and SEL, particularly in the context of parenting. While this isn’t one of the many direct professional development books about SEL, it’s a valuable read for educators. It helps us understand the role of digital media in students’ lives and how to navigate it in a way that promotes healthy emotional development. This would also be a great book to read as a school community, including families. A book club can be a great way to increase caregiver involvement and give some extra tools to families for social emotional topics.
Professional Development Books About SEL
In a world where both educators and students face numerous challenges, these books offer practical guidance and insights into nurturing emotional intelligence, empathy, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a teacher just starting your SEL journey or a seasoned educator looking to refresh your approach, I hope you find a few professional development books about SEL that are valuable resources.
So, grab a copy, make yourself a cup of tea, and dive into the world of SEL. Happy reading!
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