Lighting the SEL Fuse for K-12 Learning Growth

Presented by Sara LaHayne, Founder and CEO, Move This World; and Dr. Brenda Arteaga, Director of Multilingual Programs, Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Tomball Independent School District (TX)
Moderated by David McGeary, Solutions Engineer, D2L

Sponsored by D2L

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Closed captioning will be added to the recording within 2 weeks of the live presentation. Get a CE Certificate for this edWebinar Learn more.

Emerging from pandemic schooling, it is tempting to return to routine academics in the name of learning recovery and acceleration. Instead, research suggests the first priority should be (re)establishing student connectedness with empathy and inclusiveness foremost. Student self-view, intrinsic motivations, and well-being are critical to their readiness to learn in fall 2021 and beyond.

Watch experts and practitioners in part one of this two-part edWebinar series on how to build an SEL program and integrate instructional practices that recognize social-emotional well-being as the fuse to learning recovery and ongoing student success. We examine research-based practices and share success stories of schools and classrooms that prioritize student supports and community across the curriculum with a focus on virtual and blended learning. We define SEL, outline research evidence, identify key system components, and share what makes for successful district and school programs.

In part two of this series, we focus on the classroom and share best practices and success stories for authentically integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum, so students don’t even know they are eating their “wellness spinach.” Information will follow when part two is scheduled.

This edWebinar will be of interest to K-12 teachers and school and district leaders. 

About the Presenters

Sara LaHayne is the founder and CEO of Move This World, a social-emotional learning program that provides PreK-12 students, educators, and families with multimedia experiences empowering students to navigate the rapidly changing realities of their world—both in the classroom and throughout their lives. Through evidence-based, developmentally appropriate content rooted in creative expression and participatory movement, Move This World ritualizes a daily practice of identifying, expressing and managing emotions. A lifelong dancer and former professional performer, Sara authored, implemented, and evaluated the original Move This World curriculum 14 years ago as a Fulbright Scholar in Bogotá, Colombia. Move This World has served 2 million students across 42 states.

Longtime education leader Dr. Brenda Arteaga is the director of multilingual programs in Tomball ISD. Dr. Arteaga is a 29-year veteran educator who most recently served as Director for Special Populations in the Teaching and Learning Center, a division of the Harris County Department of Education. She served as Superintendent of Schools and Assistant Superintendent for Academics at Southwest Schools in Houston. Before leading the state charter schools, Dr. Arteaga worked in the Houston Independent School District for 18 years where she was Principal, Assistant Principal, Dual Language/Title III Coordinator and middle school, elementary, and early childhood teacher. The Harris County resident earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Houston Central with specialties in interdisciplinary studies and an emphasis in reading and Spanish. Dr. Arteaga also holds certifications in bilingual/ESL and self-contained classrooms. She gained her master’s degree from St. Thomas University and a doctorate in professional leadership from the University of Houston. She is a wife, mother of four, and grandmother of five who enjoys poetry, baking, art, and swimming.

About the Moderator

David McGeary has over 20 years of experience working in K-12 education as a teacher, administrator, and director for online programs in the Houston, TX area. After committing much of his professional career to developing and implementing thoughtful and mindful online learning experiences for K-12 students and teachers, David now works for D2L as a senior solutions engineer and K-12 advocate.

Closed captioning will be added to the recording within 2 weeks of the live presentation.

Join the Social-Emotional 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.

D2L, creators of the Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS), provides a platform that transforms the learning experience. Brightspace supports flexible learning environments such as virtual, blended, and personalized learning for both students and teachers. We partner with schools to provide customized solutions ensuring ease of use and success in your LMS!