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 Social and Emotional Learning Action Research
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The Zins Award was established in 2007 to honor the memory of collaborator Joseph E. Zins, a research pioneer in SEL and former director of the University of Cincinnati’s doctoral program. We present the awards to two investigators and researchers per year that are at distinct phases in their careers: an early-career researcher and an established scholar.
The early-career researcher is limited to researchers at the research scientist, assistant, or associate professor level. The established scholar is a senior investigator or full professor who has advanced the field in important and meaningful ways, across the span of a distinguished career.
These contributions could include 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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The Utne O’Brien Award was established in 2011 to honor the memory and dedication to high-quality practice 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 Social and Emotional Learning
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The Ann S. Nerad Award for Distinguished Contributions to Advance Policies for Social and Emotional Learning was established in 2021 and will be presented to recipients that are leading SEL public policy.
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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 Social and Emotional Learning
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Established in 2024, the Timothy P. Shriver Award honors young leaders who use their voice and agency to advance social and emotional learning. 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. Award recipients exemplify Dr. Shriver’s vision by sharing their emotions, experiences, and perspectives to help themselves, support others, and improve their surroundings. These youth help educators better understand the strengths of students, how to engage youth, and the kind of environments that best meet students’ needs. Their influence extends beyond their communities, with the potential for national and global reach, as they advance SEL principles in the world they will inherit.
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Cordelia (2024)
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James P. Comer Award for Outstanding Community Leadership in Social and Emotional Learning
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Established in 2024, the James P. Comer Award for Outstanding Community Leadership in Social and Emotional Learning 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. These leaders play a vital role in advancing SEL across schools and districts, embodying the belief that families are children’s first teachers and essential allies in promoting SEL. When educators and families join forces, they build powerful connections that reinforce social and emotional skills nurtured at home, in schools, and throughout communities. Recipients of this award are essential advocates for enhancing educational opportunities for all youth. As true partners and collaborators, they champion SEL and advocate for high-quality education across all levels of influence.
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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.
- Cordelia, 2nd grader, about her visit to Washington, D.C., for SEL Week