In the primary episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung and Guest Dr. Sue Ann Highland talk about the significance of studying environments and their function in selling social emotional studying (SEL) and wellness within the classroom.
Creating a classroom setting that promotes social emotional wellness is essential for the general improvement and success of scholars. When college students really feel a way of belonging, they’re extra more likely to interact in studying, construct optimistic relationships with friends, and develop a way of self-worth.
Nancy and Dr. Highland talk about making a protected and supportive area the place college students specific their feelings, develop empathy, and construct resilience. By incorporating actions like journaling or mindfulness workouts to encourage self-reflection, college students study to handle their feelings successfully and develop a optimistic mindset.
Implementing cooperative studying methods, encouraging collaboration, and celebrating variety fosters a supportive group the place all college students really feel valued and accepted. When college students really feel like they belong, they’re extra more likely to actively take part in school discussions, share concepts, and take dangers of their studying.
Prioritizing the social emotional wellness and holistic improvement of scholars permits educators to create a protected and supportive setting the place college students are empowered to achieve their full potential. As Dr. Highland notes, “Teaching is the only profession that trains all other professions.” So let’s encourage lecture rooms the place everybody feels valued and included!
Dr. Sue Ann Highland is the National Education Strategist for School Specialty. As an Education Strategist, she makes use of her experience in instructional initiatives and administrative management to assist academics and leaders to rework educating and studying.
In addition to her work at School Specialty, Highland has additionally served as a change and enchancment guide to greater than many Colorado enterprise and academic establishments since 2004. In this capability, she enhanced personnel efficiency, streamlined organizational operations and launched course of enhancements that improve productiveness for firms and faculties. She additionally has a number of years expertise in managing a staff that transforms studying environments for districts.
Highland derives her experience from over 25 years in schooling, with half of these years in rural districts. She has labored as an Organizational Development Director, an elementary college principal and a faculty district’s Director of Federal Programs, Curriculum and Instruction. In these positions, Highland was liable for skilled improvement and every day administration in addition to for main initiatives and evaluating employees efficiency and outcomes. She focuses on enchancment, turnaround, and alter administration.
Highland obtained a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Northern Colorado and a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University.