Social Emotional Learning

Welcome UT Elementary Families!

UT Elementary was a pioneer in bringing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into the classroom thanks in part to the dedication of our Founding Principal Ramona Trevino, Ph.D. and community education advocates Jeanne Klein and Betsy Abell. Research that was being done in 2005 at The University of Texas at Austin was used as the roadmap for the implementation of SEL at UT Elementary. Today, our school is still a model for how SEL can and should be incorporated into elementary schools.

Learn more about the history of SEL in this UT College of Education article: Teaching Inside Out.

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.

The University of Texas Charter School System supports social and emotional learning through:

Direct skill instruction for students using evidence-based social and emotional learning curriculums
Development of positive culture and school climates, and
Adult social and emotional competency.

Our SEL program uses the CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning) wheel to engage our students, families and guardians.

The CASEL wheel highlights the five core social and emotional competencies, circled by four key settings where students live and grow.

October is Bullying Prevention Month!

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Additionally, the Social Emotional Skill for October is Courage. It is important that we talk to kids, both in the classroom and at home, about bullying: what bullying looks like, the importance of reporting bullying, and how to support our peers who are or who have experienced bullying. It takes courage to use our voice and speak out against bullying, and it is critical that we lead by example by treating others with kindness, empathy, and respect. See the resource below for conversation starters around bullying.

For more information about National Bullying Prevention Month, go to: National Bullying Prevention Month | Youth.gov

Second Step® Implementation at UTES!

Beginning in September, UT Elementary will be utilizing Second Step®, a social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum for elementary students, in every classroom. This curriculum teaches students skills for resolving conflict, working with others, forming healthy relationships, and making good decisions so that they can be more successful emotionally, socially, and academically. Learn more about Second Step® at their website: Second Step Program | Second Step

For more information about SEL at UT Elementary, or about Second Step implementation, contact Andrea Menchaca, SEL Coordinator, at andrea.menchaca@austin.utexas.edu

Monthly SEL Skills Calendar

Every month, our school focuses on an SEL skill. Student read about and do activities with a focus on the skill of the month. Below is the calendar of SEL Skills for the 2022-2023 school year.

Talk to your student at home about the importance of these skills!

Back to School Resources:

Back to school is an exciting time for students, but can also lead to some big emotions: fear, anxiety, happiness, and stress, to name a few. Here are some videos and other resources to support your students around back to school.