Durbin Introduces Resolution Designating National Social And Emotional Learning Week

Durbin Introduces Resolution Designating National Social And Emotional Learning Week

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced a resolution designating the week of March 2, 2026, as National Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Week. SEL is centered on developing the self-awareness, ability to manage emotions, and interpersonal skills necessary for school, the workplace, and life. Research shows that SEL promotes student academic outcomes, self-efficacy, and positive mental health, especially for students who have experienced trauma, by helping them cope and thrive. A 2024 study found that 84 percent of employers say job candidates must demonstrate social and emotional skills-with the majority of employers stating that these types of skills were the most important.

"In 2026, many kids are weighed down by significant stress at home, in their communities, and in school settings. It's critical that we invest in the social and emotional learning of students to help them build resiliency and succeed both inside and outside of the classroom," Durbin said. "I'm introducing this resolution to designate this week National Social and Emotional Learning Week, raising awareness around the need to support students' social and emotional well-being."

"Students today are facing a time of uncertainty. More than ever, they need support to develop the skills so they can thrive academically, professionally, and throughout their lives. Social and emotional learning is critical in our efforts to equip them for success in a changing world," said CASEL Interim CEO Dr. Sheldon Berman. "I want to thank Senator Durbin for introducing this resolution and call on leaders across the country to join his effort to recognize the importance of social and emotional learning as critical to the future of young people."

The National Social and Emotional Learning Week resolution would:

1. Recognize the role that social and emotional learning plays in promoting academic achievement, mental and behavioral health, and future career success for students;
2. Express support for expanding access to social and emotional learning for students and teachers;
3. Encourage the identification of opportunities among federal agencies to advance social and emotional learning to support the academic success and overall well-being of students, educators, and their communities; and
4. Recognize March 2 through March 6, 2026, as National SEL Week.

The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angus King (I-ME), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Andy Kim (D-NJ).

Durbin has long been a champion for SEL and an advocate for improving services for youth mental health and mentorship. Durbin has worked across the aisle to introduce the RISE from Trauma Act, which would dramatically increase funding for community-based efforts to prevent and mitigate the impact of trauma, and expand training and workforce development efforts to support health care, education, social services, first responders, and community leaders to foster resilience and deliver services to heal the impact of trauma.

Durbin is also the author of the Mentoring to Succeed Act. The legislation would provide competitive grants to youth mentoring programs that train mentors in SEL and help at-risk students develop life skills.

Full text of the resolution is available here.

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