With chapters from experienced teachers and school and district leaders, this text provides a wealth of practical strategies and inspirational guidance on incorporating social-emotional and ethical learning across a district and educational community.

Brian Gatens, EdD, superintendent of the Emerson Schools District and serving on the Emerson Board of Education since 2013. He has also served in school leadership (superintendent or principal) in the Norwood, Harrington Park, and Hawthorne Public Schools Systems.

Series Preface: Dominic P. Scibilia

Foreword: Raymond Kiem

Introduction: Brian Gatens and Dominic Scibilia

Section I: The District Vision and Administrative Praxis

Chapter 1: The social emotional life of a school system

The district superintendent as mentor

Brian P. Gatens, EdD

Chapter 2: Social-Emotional Journey

The Life and Practice of the Teacher

Alice Opperman

Section II: The Memorial School (K-3)

Chapter 3: Journey to Support the Whole Individual Child

Kristin Gagliano, Principal

Chapter 4: Learning to Write Realistic Fiction

Self-Awareness and the Beginning of Moral Mindfulness

Nicole Masucci, Teacher - First Grade

Section III: The Villano School (Grades 4-6)

Chapter 5: Making SEL a Way of Being

Jessica Espinoza, Principal

Chapter 6: The Three Dimensions of Social Emotional Learning in School

from the Lens of the School Social Worker

Devan Chiusano

Section IV: The Junior - Senior High (Grades 7-12)

Chapter 7: Using Socratic Seminar to Engage Students in Social-Emotional Learning

Jennifer Norato and Jessica Polizzi, Social Studies Teachers

Epilogue: Dominic P. Scibilia

About the Authors