Within the first episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung and Visitor Dr. Sue Ann Highland focus on the significance of studying environments and their function in selling social emotional studying (SEL) and wellness within the classroom.

Making a classroom setting that promotes social emotional wellness is essential for the general growth and success of scholars. When college students really feel a way of belonging, they’re extra more likely to interact in studying, construct constructive relationships with friends, and develop a way of self-worth.

Nancy and Dr. Highland focus on making a secure and supportive house the place college students categorical their feelings, develop empathy, and construct resilience. By incorporating actions like journaling or mindfulness workout routines to encourage self-reflection, college students be taught to handle their feelings successfully and develop a constructive mindset.

Implementing cooperative studying methods, encouraging collaboration, and celebrating range fosters a supportive neighborhood the place all college students really feel valued and accepted. When college students really feel like they belong, they’re extra more likely to actively take part in school discussions, share concepts, and take dangers of their studying.

Prioritizing the social emotional wellness and holistic growth of scholars permits educators to create a secure and supportive setting the place college students are empowered to achieve their full potential. As Dr. Highland notes, “Educating is the one career that trains all different professions.” So let’s encourage lecture rooms the place everybody feels valued and included!

Dr. Sue Ann Highland is the Nationwide Training Strategist for Faculty Specialty. As an Training Strategist, she makes use of her experience in academic initiatives and administrative management to assist lecturers and leaders to remodel instructing and studying.

Along with her work at Faculty Specialty, Highland has additionally served as a change and enchancment advisor to greater than many Colorado enterprise and academic establishments since 2004. On this capability, she enhanced personnel efficiency, streamlined organizational operations and launched course of enhancements that improve productiveness for corporations and colleges. She additionally has a number of years expertise in managing a staff that transforms studying environments for districts.

Highland derives her experience from over 25 years in training, with half of these years in rural districts. She has labored as an Organizational Improvement Director, an elementary college principal and a college district’s Director of Federal Packages, Curriculum and Instruction. In these positions, Highland was accountable for skilled growth and each day administration in addition to for main initiatives and evaluating employees efficiency and outcomes. She makes a speciality of enchancment, turnaround, and alter administration.

Highland acquired a Grasp of Arts in Academic Management and Coverage Research from the College of Northern Colorado and a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon College.