Key Insights

SEL supports students’ academic engagement and success, and it can be integrated into any subject area.

“There is lots of data showing that SEL is important for academic gains. When kids have self-organization skills, they turn in quality work on time. When kids can communicate, they turn in better work in writing and oral communication.”—Matinga Ragatz, PBLWorks and U.S. National Teacher Hall of Fame inductee

At the Exchange, we heard from experts in science, mathematics, literacy, civics, the arts, and more on why SEL is essential to these disciplines, along with actionable strategies for integrating the teaching of social and emotional skills into the teaching of academic content. We gained innovative tools for elevating student voice, making learning more relevant and engaging, and supporting skills like communication and collaboration to improve student outcomes.

Social and emotional skills are in-demand in the workforce.

“The skills that [employers] are seeking with great energy are communication, collaboration, critical thinking—these are skills that are bolstered, supported, and enabled by SEL work. They are undergirded by self-awareness, relationship-building, and self-management.”—Michael Crawford, America Succeeds

Leaders in both education and business asserted that the skills necessary to thrive in the classroom are the same skills that are essential at work—skills like analytical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Bill Miller of accounting firm KPMG told us, “Every investment we make in SEL, you’re investing in the future of our society. We’re shaping the leaders, the innovators, the citizens of tomorrow. It’s our responsibility to give them the tools necessary to be successful.”

The future of SEL is global, and students are leading the way.

“You don’t teach kids just by handing them information. It takes motivation, connection, and support. That’s where SEL and academics come together, like peanut butter and jelly.”—Harper Anthony, 7th grade student in Chicago

Attendees from 30 countries joined us at the Exchange this year, and we heard about the incredible SEL work happening in Argentina, Colombia, China, India, Mexico, Qatar, and more. As we brought together our global community, we were especially proud to announce the launch of the International SEL Fellows program—which will create a network of leaders advancing SEL in schools and communities worldwide. Also joining us were numerous students—they could be found co-leading sessions, performing in mariachi and jazz bands, and even accepting awards for their leadership in SEL. Multiple sessions also explored how to encourage youth voice and student agency to empower the leaders of tomorrow.

Program Highlights

Educating Hearts, Inspiring Minds, Illuminating Futures

“SEL is the foundation for everything we want to do academically for students here in our country and around the world. … It’s always about meeting kids’ physical, social, and emotional needs. If we don’t build that base, we’ll never get to where we want to get academically. ”—Arne Duncan, Chicago CRED and former U.S. Secretary of Education

This kickoff event included a welcome from CASEL president and CEO Aaliyah A. Samuel, flag presentation from the Chicago Military Academy color guard, and remarks from former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. A panel featuring Karen Niemi, Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, and Dr. Timothy Shriver reflected on the successes and challenges of 30 years of SEL while igniting a vision for the field’s future. We also celebrated the winners of the Social and Emotional Learning Leader of the Year (SELLY) Awards.

Accelerate! Academic Thriving in Today’s Classrooms

“When students leave the K-12 system and go on to do other things, they’re not sitting at their desk doing a worksheet of problems, regurgitating what the teacher just told them to do. They’re exploring the world, looking at real-world problems. We need to continue to push math past memorization and get to understanding.”—Kevin Dykema, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Three multidisciplinary education experts shared practical advice and leadership strategies for the integration of SEL into core content areas. Dr. Sara Rimm-Kaufman offered her insights on combining PBL, SEL, and service learning with science; Dr. Gholdy Muhammad described literacy as “reading, writing, thinking, and the world around us” and shared how to create literacy experiences; and Kevin Dykema explored the ways SEL can help students overcome math anxiety and develop real-world skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

SELebrating 30 Years

Attendees celebrated 30 years of SEL with a night of fun and festivity, complete with dancing to live music, capturing memories in a 360 photo booth, and enjoying finger foods and cocktails. It was also a night of connection, joy, and laughter as we toasted to the past 30 years and the future of the field with old colleagues and new friends alike.

Accelerate! Lifelong Learning for Tomorrow’s Leaders

“If we prioritize academics, we will graduate scholars. If we prioritize social and emotional well-being, we will graduate nurtured, healthy, and well-balanced scholars who will lead in our world.”—Juan Carlos Ocon, Principal, Benito Juarez High School

We closed out the Exchange with a look toward the future, led by a panel of education, business, and policy experts sharing their insights on preparing future-ready students. Dr. Adriana Galvan explored how SEL supports young people’s decision-making; Dr. Teri Lawler described her work around how young people can develop “passion, purpose, and place for the future” in the Delaware Department of Education; Dr. LaTanya McDade of Prince William County Schools outlined a three-pronged approach to equipping students for success; and Dr. Michael Crawford highlighted data from employers and workforce boards on the social and emotional skills they are “seeking with great energy.”

The Exchange Experience

From the exhibitors and activities at SEL Main Street, to local students opening the conference, presenting sessions, and playing mariachi and jazz, to celebrating 30 years of positive impact together, the Exchange offered rich connections and an interactive experience of SEL up close and in person.