School Leaders’ Role in Empowering Teachers through SEL

Spurred by research showing the gains students realize from school-based social and emotional learning (SEL), states are adopting policies that support districts in implementing, sustaining, and spreading it. But to ensure long-term, systemwide gains for students, states must also address the SEL needs of teachers. To meet this challenge, states like California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington are empowering school leaders and educators through “adult SEL” initiatives.