Date Approved
4-22-2025
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-Instruction and Curriculum: Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
College of Education
First Advisor
Sherie Klee
Academic Year
2024/2025
Abstract
The development of social emotional skills in children is crucial, yet many teachers lack the necessary training and support to effectively implement social emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom. SEL focuses on essential competencies such as self-regulation, relationship-building, and responsible decision-making that are vital not only for classroom success, but for long-term wellbeing. While teachers have always played a significant role in fostering children’s social and emotional development, research explores the gap in teacher training and preparation for social emotional learning implementation. Effective SEL instruction depends on intentional strategies such as strong classroom management, meaningful relationships with students and families, and ongoing professional development. When teachers are supported through resources, training, and a strong understanding of the benefits of implementing social emotional learning, they are more prepared to foster academic success and social emotional development in their students. This project emphasizes the importance of equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement social emotional learning in the classroom. It is imperative that teachers are provided with ongoing training focused on SEL so that they are more likely to recognize the importance of SEL, apply SEL strategies consistently, and manage classrooms more effectively.
ScholarWorks Citation
Radley, Olivia, "Supporting Teachers in Social Emotional Learning" (2025). Culminating Experience Projects. 573.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/573
