Higher Education Leading With Social, Emotional, and Academic Development

Abstract

Institutions of higher learning serve as global catalysts for equitable educational systems as drivers of educator workforce that lead with social, emotional, and academic development (SEAD) practices. Colleges and universities are well-positioned to instruct on explicit social emotional learning (SEL) not only within pre-service programs of study, but have the unique opportunity to provide continuous education for in-service educators. This large-scale capacity to influence those who shape student experiences is more important today than ever before as schools seek safer, more inclusive campuses and digital learning environments with culturally responsive and respectful communication and interactions. The need for SEL skills across workforce sectors conflicts with the lack of SEL education in higher educational programs. To contribute to the body of literature around post-secondary SEL education, this chapter introduces new graduate-level SEAD courses and how they influenced pre-service and in-service teacher candidates.