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Leveling Up SEL Through Play and Games: Designing for Learner Variability in Middle School (Part 3)
Thursday, May 7, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Presented by Sarah M. Scott, Former Educator, Current Neurodiversity Researcher, Digital Promise; Kelly McNeil, Ed.D., Former Educator, Current Senior Learning Experience Designer, Digital Promise; and Nick Schiner, Former Educator, Current Director, Peer-to-Peer Professional Learning, Digital Promise
Sponsored by Digital Promise
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
The middle school years are a critical window for students to develop the social-emotional competencies and agency they need to thrive. However, traditional instructional methods often overlook learner variability, leaving neurodiverse students or those with unique cognitive needs struggling to stay engaged and connected.
By integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) with game-based learning, educators can create low-stakes, high-engagement environments where students feel safe to take risks, collaborate, and grow. Designing with a whole-child lens allows educators to leverage the natural appeal of play to address diverse background factors, cognition, and emotional regulation.
Join this edWebinar with neurodiversity researcher Sarah M. Scott and playful learning expert Kelly McNeil, Ed.D., for a dynamic exploration of how to use playful, inclusive design to meet the needs of every student in your classroom.
In part three of this three-part series, you learn:
- How to identify key learner variability factors that impact SEL and how game-based mechanics can provide unique scaffolds for neurodiverse learners
- Strategies for using playful instructional approaches to foster student agency, curiosity, and authentic peer connection
- Practical ways to bridge the gap between standard curricula and inclusive, game-based environments that support social and emotional growth
This recorded edWebinar is designed for grades 6-8 educators, instructional coaches, and leaders committed to building more human-centered, equitable, and engaging pathways for all learners.
View part one: Building ELA Skills for Every Student: Designing for Learner Variability in Middle School
View part two: Unmasking the Math Mindset: Designing for Learner Variability in Middle School
About the Presenters
Sarah M. Scott is a researcher with more than a decade of experience working across educational environments to design, implement, and sustain inclusive supports for neurodiverse learners. Her work has included classroom teaching, instructional coaching, serving on school leadership teams, applied school-based research, and play-based instructional approaches that support all learners.
Kelly McNeil, Ed.D., is a Senior Learning Experience Designer at Digital Promise, where she designs and facilitates innovative professional learning experiences at the intersection of AI, games, and emerging technologies in education. Her work centers on playful professional learning, supporting educators in adopting digital game-based learning and AI in ways that foster agency, curiosity, and connection. Dr. McNeil’s research explores how immersive, co-designed learning experiences influence educator beliefs and practices, with a focus on learner variability and inclusive design. She has led national initiatives, facilitated educator communities, and presented at conferences including ISTE, FETC, and SXSW EDU. Dr. McNeil is passionate about bridging research and practice to create meaningful, human-centered learning experiences for both educators and students.
Nick Schiner is the Director of Peer-to-Peer Professional Learning at Digital Promise. Nick began his career as a classroom educator with Baltimore County Public Schools, teaching fourth and fifth grade before moving into the role of Elementary Technology Integration Specialist. After his time in the classroom, he served as Team Leader on the district’s Innovative Learning Team, where he oversaw efforts to help teachers integrate technology meaningfully and design hands-on, authentic learning experiences grounded in constructionism and constructivism. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson University and a master’s degree in educational technology from Johns Hopkins University.
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
Join The Digital Promise Future of Learning community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner. We work with educators, researchers, technology leaders, and communities to design, investigate, and scale innovations that support learners, especially those who’ve been historically and systematically excluded. Our vision is that every person engages in powerful learning experiences that lead to a life of well-being, fulfillment, and economic mobility. For more information, visit the Digital Promise website and follow Digital Promise for updates.
