Social Emotional Learning

Recess Detention. The low-hanging fruit of punishments. The easiest thing to take away from a child because they owe us something. At best, it’s a punitive

It’s the first week of the 2018-19 year in my second grade classroom at Munger Mountain Elementary School, and one girl sits apart from the rest of the cla

I remember vividly the first time I put my head on my desk and cried during my lunch period. The bell to end the fourth period and move to lunch had just r

We all know the female elementary school teacher stereotype, perhaps best portrayed by the iconic Jessica Day from New Girl: bubby, cheerful, exquisitely p

Earlier this month, the fire alarm went off at my school as students were entering the building in the morning. For most people, this signifies something m

In my second year of teaching, I had a notorious student we’ll call Israel. After the first day of class, we sat down and discussed appropriate expectation

Eighty-two percent of Americans think it’s very important for schools to help students develop interpersonal skills like cooperation, respect and persisten

In my decade in Chicago Public Schools as a social worker and currently as a behavioral health specialist, I’ve learned a great education goes beyond acade

Faculty meetings. What comes to mind when you hear those two words? Earlier this year, I experienced an extraordinary faculty meeting at my elementary scho