Staff Mental Wellness & Social Emotional Literacy

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When the social and emotional needs and skills of school adults are addressed, they are better able to model SEL skills for students and meet their, and their families’ needs.  A consistently safe and supportive school relies on adults modeling the social and emotional skills that SEL programs teach to students. Learning and applying these skills in our personal and professional lives will help all school adults to enjoy mental wellness and to contribute to the wellness and success of our students.

A foundational element of a positive school climate is the development of a shared mindset and intentional way of communicating with all stakeholders.  When school adults learn how to express their feelings and needs without judgment or blame, and to listen empathically for the feelings and needs of others, we open the door for beneficial dialogue to take place. We feel heard and are better able to detect what unmet needs might have caused a student to act out, disengage, or fail to thrive in school. Positive communication skills do not excuse poor behavioral choices.  Rather, they allow us to understand the behavioral choices of others and invite them to collaborate with us on how to restore or resolve situations.  When students and staff feel understood, we are all more willing to consider how we can “right a wrong.”  (NC Mental Health & Wellness Strategic Plan, 2021, p.16)