The urgency for social and emotional learning (SEL) has never been greater as educators navigate complex challenges that emerged from this unprecedented year.
To accelerate SEL in school communities nationwide, CASEL and the Allstate Foundation proudly present the SEL Fellows Academy. Our first-of-its-kind virtual leadership academy offers an opportunity to grow and strengthen SEL practices in community with others across the country.
We welcome 31 school district and regional leaders from 17 states and that collectively serve more than 1.6 million students to the inaugural 2021 Allstate Foundation Cohort.
The next cohort application is not open yet. Sign up to be alerted when you can apply.
In partnership with our SEL Fellows, we can bring social and emotional learning to more communities nationwide so all young people receive the education they deserve.
What is the SEL Fellows Academy?
Back to topFor over a decade, CASEL has been in research-practice partnerships with large, urban school districts nationwide to study and scale high-quality SEL. The 12-month, virtual SEL Fellows Academy builds on this success to offer a unique opportunity for rural, suburban, and urban communities to strengthen their SEL expertise in community with one another.
Our model combines professional learning with a community of practice to advance SEL toward equity and excellence in all schools. Annually, a cohort of up to 50 SEL leaders will be selected to participate and deepen their SEL practice at a personal, interpersonal, and institutional level.
What do we look for in an SEL Fellow?
Back to topThe SEL Fellows Academy is for those employed by a school district or regional office of education in the United States. SEL Fellows are passionate about SEL, dedicated to their own discovery and development, and responsible for leading SEL in their community.
What are the key components?
Back to topOver the 12 months, the SEL Fellows Academy engages participants through six half-day virtual sessions with the full group and five facilitated peer inquiry group sessions with smaller teams. SEL Fellows will conclude the engagement with an action plan that will inform and guide SEL efforts for the school district or community going forward.
In addition, each participant is paired with another as a Journey Partner through the duration of the engagement. The content discussed in these sessions is reinforced through a digital community platform where the cohort can connect with each other and individual touchpoints with CASEL experts and mentors.
- Build capacity for SEL leadership. Engage in leadership practices and coaching strategies and apply them to your unique context to address critical problems of practice.
- Create an SEL action plan. Develop an implementation plan with localized action strategies and create a capstone project on SEL to help sustain your work.
- Join a community of practice. Foster long-term commitment and sustainability through regular opportunities to learn from a growing network of peers. Fellows will be lifelong members.
- Influence nationwide SEL adoption. Create, test, and refine practical approaches for SEL to address challenging issues. Lessons learned will be gathered and shared broadly with educators nationwide.
Meet the Inaugural Allstate Foundation Cohort of SEL Fellows
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