In today’s educational landscape, supporting the whole student—beyond academics—is essential for building resilience, improving focus and enhancing relationships. CPSEL’s Social, Emotional and Mental Well-being webinar series offers practical tools, strategies, and insights to create nurturing, trauma-informed spaces, align educational practices with core values, and implement effective SEL programs. Join us to learn how to promote emotional health, drive meaningful change, and elevate both personal growth and academic success in your community.
From Data to Decision: 3 Essential Steps for Choosing an SEL Program
Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 – 11 a.m.
Selecting the right social and emotional (SEL) program involves more than just evaluating curricula; it requires a strategic approach that ensures long-term success. Learn about three critical factors for effective program selection: developing a clear vision for SEL, incorporating diverse stakeholder input, and creating a robust plan for sustaining implementation. Walk away with practical strategies to build consensus, address school-specific needs, and ensure your chosen SEL program thrives over time, driving meaningful change across the school community.
Meet Our Instructor: Michelle Gill, Founder and CEO, Believe Learning
Michelle Gill began her career in education in 2001 as a classroom teacher in The School District of Philadelphia and later in Fairfax County Public Schools. After 14 years in the classroom, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector, working at the Center for Responsive Schools, where she supported the implementation of social and emotional learning (SEL) programs. In 2021, Michelle became the coordinator of student services for Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning (SEAL) in the Centennial School District, PA, leading district-wide SEL initiatives. She is also an SEL Fellow with CASEL and holds a certification in Social and Emotional Intelligence Coaching.
Living Your Values: Bridging Core Beliefs with Everyday Life
Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, 10 – 11 a.m.
Explore the power of core values and how they shape not only our personal well-being but also the health and success of those we serve. Drawing inspiration from the research of Brené Brown, we will uncover the importance of living in alignment with our values to foster authenticity and resilience. Identify your own core values and engage in an introspective exercise designed to create meaningful connections between these values and their daily lives. Join us for a session of self-discovery, reflection and practical application.
Meet Our Instructor: Cheryl McCray Ed.D., Induction Specialist, Hamilton County Schools
Dr. Cheryl F. McCray is a passionate advocate for new teacher induction and social and emotional learning. With experience as an exceptional education teacher, dean of students, and SEL coach, she now serves as induction specialist for Hamilton County Schools (Chattanooga, Tennessee), supporting teachers and administrators through training, coaching, and classroom management. Her efforts focus on improving teacher retention and student outcomes. Under Dr. McCray’s leadership, the Male Teachers of Color (MTOC) group was established in 2023, with plans for expansion, and FemTOC (Female Teachers of Color) launched in August 2024.
Creating Safe and Nurturing Environments Through SEL
Friday, March 7, 2025, 10 – 11 a.m.
Instructor Kevin Taylor will share his personal journey as an educator dedicated to creating trauma-informed environments where marginalized students can learn, grow and thrive. Explore the core competencies of social and emotional learning (SEL) and how these skills foster the essential sense of safety, positive visibility and belonging that all students need. Additionally, attendees will gain practical strategies and actionable ideas they can immediately implement in their classrooms or youth programs to support student well-being and success.
Meet Our Instructor: Kevin Taylor, CCEIS Coordinator, Baltimore City Public Schools
Kevin Taylor has over 20 years of experience in Maryland and Virginia public schools, supporting K-12 through higher education. As a classroom teacher, he fostered safe, nurturing environments and implemented high-leverage practices like co-teaching, art-integration, flexible grouping, behavior intervention plans, and social-emotional methods. Kevin is a certified facilitator in restorative practices, trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, and healing-centered engagement. He is passionate about creating classrooms that embody respect, relationships, and resilience, ensuring positive outcomes for students in both inclusion and self-contained settings.
Cultivating Connection: Building Positive School Climate and Academic Success through SEL
Thursday, April 3, 2025, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Explore the important link between emotional well-being and academic achievement. By fostering strong relationships, empathy and emotional resilience, social and emotional learning (SEL) creates a supportive school climate where students feel safe, valued and motivated. This positive environment, in turn, enhances focus, collaboration and engagement in learning, leading to improved academic outcomes. Schools that prioritize SEL not only develop well-rounded individuals but also cultivate a culture where both personal growth and academic success thrive.
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Meet Our Instructor, Erin Bruno, Director, The Social Decision-Making Program
Erin Bruno, M.A., has over 27 years of experience in social and emotional learning (SEL) and is the director of The Social Decision-Making Program, a CASEL-recognized, research-based SEL program. She also teaches SEL as an adjunct instructor at Rutgers University and the University of Berkeley. With a background in theatre, mental health, and SEL, Erin is passionate about empowering positive youth development to help all young people reach their full potential.
Empowering Educators: Building Psychological Flexibility with the ACT Matrix for SEL and Mental Health
Thursday, May 1, 2025, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Explore how to use everyday experiences to create interest, connection and collaboration with the ACT Matrix for students and staff. The process builds connection and collaboration through mindful engagement in values-based behaviors. In this interactive session, learn a simple tool to set the stage for productive learning in any setting. Gain new strategies that you can immediately implement in your setting.
Meet Our Instructor – Phil Tenaglia, Psychologist, Founder, Evolving Solutions
Phil Tenaglia, M.A., is a school psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with teachers and at-risk students in K-12 settings. He specializes in consultation, counseling, interventions, and program development and is a certified nonviolent crisis expert. Phil is a licensed psychologist at the Growth Opportunity Center in Southampton, PA, where he assists families, children, and adolescents facing life challenges. In 2016, he was named School Psychologist of the Year by the New Jersey Association of School Psychologists. He founded Evolving Solutions in 2017, offering workshops and training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and authored a chapter in the original ACT Matrix book.