To recognize outstanding achievements and encourage high standards in the field of social and emotional learning (SEL), CASEL presents annual awards in research, practice, and public policy. The awards recognize individuals whose body of work and commitment to SEL have advanced the field and paved the way for others.
Joseph E. Zins Awards for SEL Action Research
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Established in 2007 to honor the memory of Joseph E. Zins, a research pioneer in SEL and former director of the University of Cincinnati’s doctoral program. Each year, we recognize one early-career researcher and one established scholar for contributions in applied research, theoretical contributions, or research on curriculum, policies, or practices.
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- Early Career Recipients: Dr. Sara Rimm-Kaufman (2007), Dr. Marc Brackett (2009), Dr. Celene Domitrovich (2011), Dr. Angela Lee Duckworth (2012), Dr. Stephanie Jones (2013), Dr. David Yeager (2015) Dr. Camille A. Farrington (2018), Dr. Anne Gregory (2018), Dr. Clark McKown (2020), Dr. Tia Barnes (2021), Dr. Christina Cipriano (2022), Dr. Julia Mahfouz (2023), Dr. Jason Okonofua (2024)
- Distinguished Scholar Recipients: Dr. Maurice Elias (2011), Dr. Edward Zigler (2011), Dr. J. David Hawkins (2012), Dr. Joseph Durlak (2013), Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl (2015), Dr. David Osher (2018), and Dr. Laura Hamilton (2020), Dr. Edmund Gordon (2021), Dr. Karen Bierman (2022), Dr. Susanne Denham (2023), Dr. Patricia Jennings (2024)
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Mary Utne O’Brien Awards for Excellence in Expanding the Evidence-Based Practice of SEL
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Established in 2011 to honor the memory and dedication of Mary Utne O’Brien, former CASEL executive director and key leader in the SEL field. We present the awards to two district or school leaders per year who have provided the vision, inspiration, and practical strategies for developing the infrastructure and support for high-quality SEL at the district or school level.
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- District or School Leaders: Carol Comeau (2012), Jillian Ahrens (2013), Linda DePriest (2013), Koua Jacklyn Franz (2013), Ed Graff (2013), Sherrie Raven (2013), Trish Shaffer (2013), Kristina Tank-Crestetto(2013), Karen VanAusdal (2013), and Michelle Van Allen (2018), Sheldon Berman (2020), Byron Sanders (2020), Eric Moore (2021), Dr. Eric Schaps (2022), Dr. Rose Prejean-Harris (2022), Eric Gordon (2023), Dr. Kamilah Drummond-Forrester (2023), Juan Carlos Ocon (2024)
- Federal or State Policymaking: Congresswoman Judy Biggert (2011), Congressman Dale Kildee (2011), Congressman Tim Ryan (2012), Ellen Moir (2015), Dr. James Comer (2015), Joan Duffell (2018), Tom Roderick (2018), R. Keeth Matheny (2021), Dr. Teri (Brown) Lawler (2022)
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Ann S. Nerad Awards for Distinguished Contributions to Advance Policies for SEL
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Established in 2021 to recognize recipients who are leading SEL public policy. We present the awards to two district or school leaders per year who have provided the vision, inspiration, and practical strategies for developing the infrastructure and support for high-quality SEL at the district or school level.
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Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond (2021), Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (2021), Gene Wilhoit (2022), Congressman Dick Durban (2023), Congresswoman Susan Collins (2023),Governor Tony Evers (2024)
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Timothy P. Shriver Award for Outstanding Youth Leadership in SEL
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Established in 2024 to recognize young leaders who use their voice and agency to advance SEL. Named after Dr. Timothy P. Shriver, a lifelong advocate for youth and co-founder of CASEL, this award celebrates his dedication to empowering young people as agents of positive change.
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Cordelia, 2nd grader (2024)
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James P. Comer Award for Outstanding Community Leadership in SEL
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Established in 2024, this award celebrates Dr. Comer’s legacy of fostering strong school-community partnerships by recognizing today’s leaders who bring this vision to life. The award is presented to organizations and individuals who exemplify SEL through their dedicated support for their communities. Recipients of this award are essential advocates for enhancing educational opportunities for all youth.
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National PTA (2024), National Parents Union (2024)
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Hear from Past Recipients
Back to top- Building Teacher Capacity for SEL Through Community – Guest Blog from 2020 CASEL Award Recipient: Dr. Sheldon Berman
- Youth Need Better Civic Learning Opportunities, and SEL Can Pave the Way – Guest Blog from 2020 CASEL Award Recipient: Laura Hamilton, Ph.D.
- Keeping Social and Emotional Learning Grounded in Evidence – Guest Blog from 2020 CASEL Award Recipient: Clark McKown, Ph.D.
- Video from Cordelia, 2nd grader, about her visit to Washington, D.C., for SEL Week