The mission of the Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Cohort is to support school district leaders as they develop and scale systemic SEL implementation plans in order to promote culturally-responsive, identity-safe and equitable classroom and school communities that best support students’ social and emotional well-being, sense of connection to school, and full engagement in learning.

The SEL Cohort is a vibrant community engaged in meaningful dialogue about how SEL is contributing to the whole child — from physical and mental health to the development of fundamental, lifelong learning skills.

 

Any district leader who is interested in furthering social & emotional learning in their district, particularly superintendents, assistant superintendents and directors who are innovators and risk takers.

• Learn with and from leading experts, thought leader practitioners and colleagues
• Work together as a community of practice, sharing resources and developing action plans, to move your SEL initiatives forward
• Experience virtual and in-person site visits to get a firsthand look at how SEL programs are being implemented across the country
• Engage in real-time conversations with leaders at different stages of implementation and leading districts of different sizes and demographics
• Learn innovative and immediately implementable strategies for furthering SEL in your district

 

Program Duration: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023

 

Registrations are accepted on a rolling basis.

2022 Summit September 21, 2022 from 8:30am to 4:00pm CT in Naperville, IL 

 

Submit a proposal by Friday, August 19, 2022.

Registration for the Summit is included for two members of a registered SEL Cohort Team. Pricing for all others follows: 
 
Individual $350; AASA member discount $300
Team of two from same district $425; AASA member discount $375
Team of 3-8 from same district $500; AASA member discount $450

Regular virtual cohort convenings will be held on the third Wednesday of August, October, January, March, and May from 3:30–5pm ET.  Cohort registrants are encouraged to bring critical team members to the virtual meetings to facilitate collaboration within your district.

August 17, 2022
October 19, 2022
January 18, 2023
March 15, 2023
May 17, 2023
 
In-Person Meetings (One registration from each district for each site visit is included in the cohort fee):

September 21, 2022 Summit in Naperville, IL
September 21 – 23, 2022 Cohort Site Visit in Naperville, IL (immediately following the SEL Summit)
April 26 – 28, 2023 location to be determined 

 

Dan Bridges, AASA SEL Cohort Co-Lead and Superintendent, Naperville 203 Community Unit School District, (IL)    AASA Welcomes Dan Bridges, superintendent of Naperville, a district recognized as a “Lighthouse System” by AASA’s Learning 2025 commission, distinguishing it as a model of positive change in the area of SEL and cognitive growth. Dan has lead Naperville since 2011, was a member of the 2021-22 and 2019-2020 Cohort, and has been a member of AASA for over 10 years. Dan previously served the district as Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education. Prior to joining Naperville 203, Dan spent 13 years as a school administrator, including years as an elementary, junior high, and a high school principal.

Dawn Bridges, AASA SEL Co-lead Dawn Bridges co-led the 2021-22 SEL Cohort.  She has 25 years of experience in the fields of education and professional learning, and has held the roles of teacher, reading specialist, special education coordinator, principal, and assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. As Vice President of Educational Affairs for Right At School, Dawn collaborates with educators and administrators to support school districts to best meet the needs of all students before, during, and beyond the hours of the traditional school day.

 
 Advisory Committee Members

• Caroline Johns, Superintendent, Northgate School District (PA)
• Martha Kent, Director of Social and Emotional Learning, Mountain Education Charter (GA)
• Lisa Xagas, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Naperville Community Unit School District (IL)

Register and Pay