Evan Erdberg is the President and Founder of Proximity Learning and has 15+ years of experience putting students first as a digital education entrepreneur. Evan, a pioneer in online education, revolutionized K-12 learning by introducing virtual teacher staffing through Proximity Learning Inc. (PLI). His work ensures that students nationwide have access to quality education, addressing the teacher shortage with thousands of qualified educators in over 100 districts. With a background in educational technology and a focus on improving education quality, Evan’s vision and leadership have significantly impacted educational outcomes by merging technology with traditional teaching methods.
After the chaos and uncertainty of the last few years, it’s no surprise SEL, or Social-Emotional Learning—and mental health, for that matter—has become front and center in education. The pandemic and its aftermath brought unprecedented challenges for students, teachers, and families alike, shining a spotlight on the importance of emotional resilience, empathy, and well-being.
SEL aims to develop social and emotional competencies that support learning and inspire connection. While it’s not a core subject, it can be taught at various levels of intensity depending on teacher preferences. For example, an indirect SEL lesson could be woven into core subjects by assigning a group project where students delegate roles according to their strengths. A direct approach could include students providing written responses to a particular SEL prompt that aims to provoke introspective thoughts.
In schools nationwide, SEL has emerged as a powerful tool to help students manage anxiety, build coping skills, and foster supportive relationships that can carry them through difficult times. According to the American Psychological Association, schools that prioritize SEL have reported lower levels of student anxiety and depression, with students developing a greater sense of control over their emotions. As educational institutions contend with the lasting effects of the pandemic, political and economic instability, and evolving social dynamics, SEL has become indispensable—not merely an enhancement, but a critical foundation for cultivating safe, nurturing learning environments where both students and teachers can thrive amid ongoing uncertainties.
The Impact of SEL on Students: Beyond Academics
SEL is designed to help students manage emotions, set positive goals, build empathy, cultivate relationships, and make responsible decisions. Research from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning demonstrates that students who participate in SEL programs show increases in academic achievement compared to peers without SEL support. This academic improvement is often attributed to SEL’s role in fostering emotional regulation, resilience, and focus, all of which enhance students’ engagement with their studies.
SEL programs contribute to creating a supportive and inclusive school climate. When students feel understood, valued, and “seen”, they are more likely to participate in school activities, engage positively with peers, and avoid disruptive behaviors. This ripple effect extends beyond individual students, promoting a safer, more collaborative environment where students can thrive. A study from the American Institutes for Research noted that SEL skills such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving reduce bullying incidents and improve peer relationships, fostering a cohesive school culture that supports all students.
The benefits of SEL extend deeply into building emotional resilience, a crucial skill for students as they navigate not only academic pressures but the complex personal challenges that will shape their lives well beyond school. Through SEL, students learn how to regulate their emotions, manage stress, and cultivate positive relationships—skills that equip them to succeed academically and to thrive in their personal and professional lives after graduation.
Students who engage in SEL are more likely to develop a strong sense of self-efficacy and are better prepared to cope with the demands of adulthood, from career pressures to interpersonal relationships. This means SEL isn’t merely preparing students for the classroom; it’s preparing them for the real-world challenges of adulthood, where the ability to navigate emotions and build meaningful connections becomes essential for personal fulfillment and well-being.
The Impact of SEL on Teachers: Reducing Burnout and Enhancing Job Satisfaction
While SEL’s primary focus is often on students, its impact on teachers is equally significant. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that teachers who practiced SEL were not only more effective in the classroom but also reported higher job satisfaction and lower levels of burnout. With nearly half of teachers in the U.S. reporting feelings of burnout, SEL can be a game-changer in improving teacher well-being.
Teachers trained in SEL are better equipped to model empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution, which leads to more meaningful and connected interactions with students. This supportive environment strengthens teacher-student relationships, which are essential for effective learning.
Teachers who incorporate SEL practices report feeling more fulfilled and connected to their students, reducing the emotional labor that educators often endure. A 2020 survey by the National Education Association noted that teachers in SEL-focused schools were more likely to stay in the profession longer, emphasizing how SEL’s benefits can alleviate the ongoing teacher retention crisis by improving job satisfaction and reducing stress.
Schools are microcosms of the broader world, reflecting the stresses and challenges found in corporate environments—perhaps even more intensely, as the stakes are higher with children’s futures and well-being at risk. Yet, with the right support, school staff can thrive. Constructive feedback, opportunities for professional growth, and a healthy work-life balance are vital to creating an environment where employees feel invested, enabling them to give their best in shaping young lives.
The Impact of SEL on Communities: Building Inclusive and Cohesive Societies
SEL’s influence extends beyond school walls, impacting the broader community. Communities that embrace SEL programs in their schools often experience reductions in youth violence, substance abuse, and other harmful behaviors. According to a longitudinal study published in the American Journal of Public Health, children who developed SEL skills in early childhood were more likely to avoid risky behaviors and demonstrate responsible citizenship as adults. By teaching young people how to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and empathize with others, SEL promotes a safer, more cohesive community environment.
Furthermore, SEL supports equity and inclusion by bridging gaps between different social and cultural groups. In a diverse society, understanding and respecting varied perspectives is crucial for preventing conflicts and fostering harmony. By prioritizing empathy and communication, SEL helps students appreciate and celebrate diversity, creating an inclusive community environment where everyone feels valued. This inclusivity is particularly vital in multicultural communities, where SEL can be a powerful tool for promoting social cohesion and reducing divisive behaviors.
Moving Forward: The Future of SEL and Its Broader Societal Impact
SEL provides a foundation for lifelong success that goes beyond academics, impacting emotional growth, social skills, and community well-being. As research continues to affirm the benefits of SEL, the call to support and expand these programs grows louder. The Aspen Institute’s National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development underscores the importance of embedding SEL in all aspects of K-12 education, suggesting that SEL should be a core part of educational reform. According to the Commission, “SEL is essential for creating a healthy and successful society, where students are not only prepared for academic success but also equipped to lead fulfilling, responsible lives”.
The evidence is clear: SEL fosters empathy, resilience, and positive decision-making, that equips students, teachers, and communities with the tools they need to succeed. Moving forward, a continued investment in SEL is crucial for realizing its full potential across all levels of society. Expanding SEL programs ensures that every student has access to the emotional and social support necessary to navigate today’s complex world.
Ultimately, the question “How are the kids?” extends far beyond academic achievement. Through the lens of SEL, we see that students’ well-being is deeply interconnected with that of their teachers and communities. By nurturing one, we nurture all, building a more compassionate, resilient, and inclusive society.