Restorative Practices: "An emerging social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities. The purpose or restorative practices is to build healthy communities, increase social capital, decrease crime and antisocial behavior, repair harm and restore relationships (Reference: International Institute of Restorative Practices)." iirp.edu
Reflecting on Personal SEL Skills
As staff use shared agreements to guide their interactions, it’s essential that they also reflect on their own social and emotional growth.
Carol Dweck is a psychologist who researches achievement and success. Her major finding is that those who have a “growth mindset”—those who believe that their abilities are developed through dedication and hard work, not innate talent—are more likely to be resilient when things get tough and persevere to achieve goals (Dweck, 2006).
Teacher stress has been found to affect teachers’ health and well-being, job satisfaction, turnover, and even student outcomes (Greenberg, Brown, & Abenavoli, 2016). For this reason, it’s essential that educators take time to prevent burnout, promote health, and protect themselves from the negative effects of stress.
SEL is a powerful lever for creating caring, just, inclusive, and healthy communities that support all individuals in reaching their fullest potential.
Professional Learning Communities
Professional learning communities provide an important opportunity to integrate SEL into existing practices, work collaboratively on the goals of schoolwide SEL, and cultivate their own social and emotional competencies.