Social and emotional learning, or SEL, student programs have flourished in schools during the last decade. Unfortunately inadequate attention has been paid to teachers’ social and emotional learning. In this course the instructors (Randy Testa and Dan Liston) introduce and examine distinct and established teacher SEL programs, as well as some alternative possibilities.
Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.
This course is a part of the 5-course Specialization “The Teacher and Social Emotional Learning (SEL)”. Course 4 of 5 in the The Teacher and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialization
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Mindfulness in teaching
Since stress and anxiety accompany many teachers’ work settings and arise from a variety of sources, we look for ways to reduce that stress. Mindfulness programs provide one source of relief for work related stress and, for some, an avenue for self and other exploration. Here we describe some aspects of those programs and encourage those so inclined to seek out such experiences.
WEEK 2
Center for Courage and Renewal programs for teacher and community well-being
The Center for Courage and Renewal’s programs for teachers encourage reflection on the social and emotional dimensions of teaching. In this module we focus on Center’s “Leading Together” program, one that encourages trust and communication within a school’s adult community.
WEEK 3
The role of narrative in teachers' social and emotional learning
Echoing Mark Edmundson (Why Read?) and other writers on the prominent role of the humanities in a liberal arts education, we argue for and elaborate the role of narrative and the humanities in teacher education and teacher professional development. In this module we show how narrative -- film, fiction, and other similar “texts”-- can be used to explore more fully one’s humanity in teaching, offer insights into the role of teacher, and come to a richer and fuller understanding of one’s students.
WEEK 4
Parents, families, and communities: Social and emotional learning in context
This module examines the importance of understanding that students’ rich offstage lives affect at every turn their lives within the classroom and school. A set of readings explores the “ghosts” in parents’ and teachers’ pasts and how those biographical experiences affect parent-teacher-student interactions. Another reading poignantly details the devastating impact for an immigrant child of being unknown --by both her teacher and her classmates. And a third reading delineates how a teacher’s/parent’s faith affects their understanding of public schooling and their zeal for reform.
