The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music. Bodies never lie.
~Agnes de Mille~
Dance has always been my gateway to the ultimate state of personal freedom. It has provided me with emotional, social and life skills, such as expression of emotions, relationship building and discipline. The arts have a natural correlation to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills, which has driven my personal connection and passion for the field of SEL.
Social Emotional Learning is a vast field with a wide variety of theories, curriculums, strategies, organizations and resources. Some of my favorites include Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSI), Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL), Teaching Tolerance, Transforming Education and Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility. I serve as the team facilitator for my school's SEL team and I am also a member of NNSTOY SEL Fellowship. I believe that educating the whole child is the best means of fostering academic, social and life success for all students. Educators are not only responsible for teaching curriculum and standards but also developing students into positive, contributing citizens of their local, national and global communities. Social Emotional Learning should be integrated into the fabric of every classroom environment and school culture. |