Abstract
As social and emotional learning (SEL) moves to the forefront of elementary education, new roles are emerging: SEL coaches and instructional specialists. While these new roles may mirror literacy coaches in many ways, there is still much that is unknown. Therefore, this exploratory qualitative case study documents how a district-based SEL instructional specialist/coach describes her role and the impact of her work. Analyses focus on semi-structured interviews and artifacts, such as her formal role description and weekly sample schedules. Findings illustrate three main ways of synthesizing and integrating a multitude of professional SEL responsibilities: 1) through building relationships and ongoing communication; 2) through adopting a “blended” mindset to see the overlap across equity, behavioral, and SEL work; and finally, 3) through continual personal/professional learning. The case ends with comparisons to literacy coaching literature and practices, as well as implications for future research, policies, and practices related to SEL educators specifically.
Recommended Citation
Savitz, Rachelle S. and Ippolito, Jacy
(2023)
"Case Study of an SEL Coach and Instructional Specialist: Understanding a New Role,"
Michigan Reading Journal: Vol. 56:
Iss.
1, Article 10.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/mrj/vol56/iss1/10
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Elementary Education Commons, Elementary Education and Teaching Commons, Other Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons, Special Education and Teaching Commons