Social-Emotional Learning: Self-Care and Responsible Decision-Making

Social-Emotional Learning

Content Warning

The content of this course includes topics that may be difficult for some to discuss, particularly those related to trauma-informed teaching and learning. Becoming better educators often requires helping students process their traumas, which may, in turn, bring up our own. Course designers and facilitators aim to create a space where you can engage bravely, empathetically, and thoughtfully with difficult content.

When reflecting in discussions or assignments, share only what you feel comfortable disclosing. Maintain confidentiality regarding yourself, students, and colleagues. If discussions involve sensitive topics, prioritize your well-being and share only as feels appropriate. If you have concerns or need support, reach out to the instructor directly. Below is the national crisis resource line for reference. Note that it does not replace professional intervention with school counselors or interfere with school policies. We encourage teachers to review crisis resources with administration before sharing them with students.

Self-Care and Responsible Decision-Making

• Course Type: Self-Paced, Fully-Facilitated
• Course Length: 10 Hours
• Course Access: Participants have 45 days from the date of enrollment to complete the course

This self-paced, 10-hour course explores self-care and responsible decision-making, core social-emotional competencies that benefit students individually and bolster other SEL competencies. The course includes two substantive units:

Self-Care

This unit discusses concepts and includes activities that encourage students to understand and maintain happiness, demonstrate resilience, find purpose in their lives and studies, and regularly practice mindfulness. Early teaching of these concepts empowers students to take ownership over emotional responses and personal circumstances.

Responsible Decision-Making

This unit explores the teaching of active decision-making, including models for investigating, problem-solving, and reflective practice. It emphasizes explicitly teaching decision-making processes to help students and educators adopt a more purposeful approach to choices and learn from outcomes.

Course Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Examine the definition and importance of self-care.
• Explore strategies that students can use to practice happiness, build resilience, and find purpose.
• Discuss the concept of responsible decision-making.
• Learn strategies to increase information literacy, problem-solving, and reflection.
• Reflect on the elements of an SEL classroom present in their classroom and target areas for improvement.