The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) today announced the recipients of the 2024 SELLY Awards, honoring outstanding achievements of seven “Social and Emotional Learning Leaders of the Year.” The annual awards recognize individuals whose body of work and commitment to social and emotional learning (SEL) have advanced the field and paved the way for others.
This year, on CASEL’s 30th anniversary, two new awards were introduced to recognize the crucial role of students and parents in promoting SEL. The first is the James P. Comer Award for Outstanding Community Leadership in Social and Emotional Learning. This award honors organizations and individuals that embody social and emotional learning in the ways in which they support their communities and provide incredible leadership throughout their schools and districts to advance social and emotional learning.
The Timothy P. Shriver Award for Outstanding Youth Leadership in Social and Emotional Learning is awarded to young people who use their voice and agency in positive, contributing ways to advance social and emotional learning. Through their voice, educators better understand the strengths of students, how to partner with and engage youth, and the kind of environments that best meet students’ needs. Their voices often extend well beyond their own communities with the potential for national and global reach.
“On this special milestone of CASEL’s 30th anniversary, we are thrilled to honor a remarkable group of leaders whose dedication has shaped and strengthened the field of social and emotional learning,” said CASEL President and CEO, Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel. “These SELLY Award recipients have demonstrated the profound impact that committed educators, students, parents, and community leaders can make in fostering environments where all young people thrive – academically, socially, and emotionally. With the addition of the James P. Comer and Timothy P. Shriver awards, we’re proud to honor two of the earliest pioneers in the field, and award those who represent the future of SEL and education.”
This year, CASEL recognizes seven individuals across the five awards:
Ann S. Nerad Awards for Distinguished Contributions to Advance Policies for Social and Emotional Learning
- Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers
Mary Utne O’Brien Awards for Excellence in Expanding the Evidence-Based Practice of Social and Emotional Learning
- Juan Carlos Ocon, Principal, Benito Juarez Community Academy
Joseph E. Zins Award For Outstanding Contributions to Action Research in Social and Emotional Learning
- Dr. Patricia Jennings, Professor, University of Virginia
- Dr. Jason Okonofua, Professor, University of California, Berkeley
James P. Comer Award for Outstanding Community Leadership in Social and Emotional Learning
- National PTA
- National Parents Union
Timothy P. Shriver Award for Outstanding Youth Leadership in Social and Emotional Learning
- Cordelia, New Hampshire 2nd grade student
