Fifth Social and Emotional Learning Conference set for April 17 at UNI

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - Keynote speaker Stephanie M. Jones explores the intersection of social and emotional learning and early childhood development when the fifth Social and Emotional Learning Conferencekicks off on April 17 at University of Northern Iowa.

Social and emotional learning takes a "whole person" approach to learning in the classroom, building competencies in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision making and relationship skills.

The Gerald S. Lesser Professor in Early Childhood Development at Harvard, Jones also directs the EASEL (Ecological Approaches to Social and Emotional Learning) Lab and the Harvard Center for the Developing Child. She leads off with: "The Science and Practice of Social and Emotional Learning in Preschools and Schools."

"Ask any teacher or school leader, and they will tell you that one of their biggest challenges is students coming to school with more behavioral, social and emotional challenges. It's hard to overstate the importance of social and emotional skills and strategies to teach kids and peers to be more effective humans in our worlds and spaces," said Nicole Skaar, a professor in the College of Education on the planning committee. "I'm excited to hear from Dr. Jones. It's the first time we've had a focus on SEL and early childhood development, her specialty."

Accomplished children's author Susan Verde follows with her keynote, "The Power of Picture Books!" She last presented at the inaugural SEL conference in 2002 and is especially known for the "I Am" book series.

Jones will delve deeper into her topic as part of more than 20 breakout sessions during the day-long event, while Verde will host a "fireside chat" and book signing. Regional speakers join UNI faculty in presenting topics that include: emotional self-regulation, supporting multilingual learners, effective teaching practices in action, engaging boys and young men in SEL, theatre-based SEL, learning to listen to behaviors, using play to increase SEL and mental health and more.

New this year is participation of Leader in Me students from area schools, supported by Leader Valley. Students will welcome guests and also lead a session entitled: "7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Student Style."

The conference includes a "keynotes-only" virtual option. Registration due by April 14 is $85 for the full day or $30 for the limited virtual option for practicing professionals - including teachers, social workers and school psychologists. The event is free for UNI faculty, students and staff. See full schedule and registration information at coe.uni.edu/SELConference26.

In addition to the College of Education's sponsorship of this year's conference, the event is made possible by donations to the UNI Foundation from Judith M. Finkelstein, the Iowa School Counselor Association and other anonymous donors.