The Truth About SEL: Building Emotional Intelligence That Actually Empowers Teachers and Students

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🧠 Why SEL Curriculum Isn't Working (And What Teachers Should Do Instead)

In this episode, Grace Stevens dives deep into Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and reveals why scripted curricula often fall flat. She shares real classroom observations that expose the gap between checking boxes and authentic emotional intelligence building. This episode provides actionable strategies for teachers to develop genuine EQ skills in themselves and their students without adding to their already overwhelming workload.

🎯 Key Takeaways

❌ What's NOT Working:

• Scripted SEL curricula that feel like checkbox exercises
• Reflection worksheets that require CBT training teachers don't have
• 40+ emotion posters that overwhelm even adults
• Performative approaches that don't build real classroom community

✅ What DOES Work:

• Authentic modeling of emotional intelligence
• Stop, breathe, ask strategy for overwhelm
• Name it to tame it - improving emotional vocabulary
• Emotional check-ins that are genuine, not scripted
• Perspective taking exercises that build empathy

Listen now and learn how to authentically model and teach emotional intelligence, even if you don't have a designated "SEL block."

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