Feelings Shouldn’t Be Political: Making the Case for Social Emotional Development

This session will equip administrators and educators with clear, accessible language to explain social-emotional development to stakeholders, what it is, what it isn’t, and why it matters. Presenters will address common misunderstandings and controversies, empowering educators to communicate its value effectively and build support for practices that support student well-being. Participants will be able to: 1. Define social-emotional development in language that is nonpartisan and accessible to a range of stakeholders, including parents, school board leaders, and community members. 2. Identify common misconceptions and political mischaracterizations of social-emotional development, and then provide a response using messaging strategies tailored to diverse ideological perspectives.