During the week of March 3, 2025, SEL4NJ offered a series of webinars on topics related to the integration of SEL and related approaches in schools.  These webinars were given by a slate of experts from across New Jersey.  Recordings of these webinars are accessible by clicking on the links below…

Title: Instilling Character and Social-Emotional Competency in Your School

Presenters: Debra Minieri, Maribeth Hall, and Doug Stech, NJASECD Description: Hear about examples from Lakeview School in Denville and Woodmont School in Montville offered by a trio of school counselors with a successful track record in leading their schools as well as others to become State and National Schools of Character. Click Here to access the recording

Title: SECD Resources Available to New Jersey Educators

Presenters: Liz Warner, Trish Heindel, Laurie Coletti, and William Trusheim, SEL4NJ Description: This session will describe several programs that provide resources to help New Jersey educators bring social-emotional learning, character education, and a positive culture and climate to their schools. Among the programs to be featured are the SEL Academies at Saint Elizabeth and Rutgers Universities, the State and National Schools of Character Programs offered through NJASECD, the School Culture and Climate Initiative, and the new online course for SEL Leaders being developed for the NJDOE, as well as resources made available through SEL4NJ. Click Here to access the recording

Title: Managing AI Risks in Schools

Presenter: Karen Painter Randall, Partner, Chair, Cybersecurity, Privacy and Incident Response, Connell Foley, LLP. Description: This program will delve into the critical and timely topic of artificial intelligence in the educational sector. As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into school systems, it is essential to understand the potential risks and challenges they pose. We will explore the implications of AI on student privacy, data security, and ethical considerations, providing valuable insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers. Join us as we navigate the complexities of AI implementation in schools and discuss strategies to mitigate risks while harnessing the benefits of this transformative technology. Click Here to access the recording

Title: Well-being through Artistic SEL

Presenters: Scott Edgar, Wendy Liscow, and Kira Rizzuto, ArtsEdNJ Description: Youth social, emotional, physical, and mental health (well-being) are foundational for effective teaching and learning. Drawing from SEL and wellbeing tenets, we will explore arts-based strategies for teachers and students to build life skills to become more resilient and ready to learn. Click Here to access the recording

Title: Mitigating the Negative Impact of Social Media Through SEL

Presenter: Erica Brentan, Consultant, School Culture and Climate Initiative Description: As social media continues to impact students’ lives in unpredictable ways, it’s crucial for schools to equip them with the emotional intelligence to navigate interpersonal relationships. In this workshop for educators, we’ll explore actionable ways to mitigate social media impact through SEL, including [1] Fostering positive social skills between students (and adults), [2] Weaving discussions on social media’s impact into existing curricula, and [3] Engaging student voice to make the most meaningful curricular and policy decisions. The most successful schools use a school-wide approach to SEL, so come learn how to implement these practices both in the classroom and across your larger school community. Click Here to access the recording

Title: Supporting School Climate Improvement and SEL with Resources from the NJ SCI Survey and Platform and Sustainable Jersey for Schools

Presenters: Alicia Raia-Hawrylak, School Climate Transformation Project; Veronique Lambert, Sustainable Jersey for Schools Description: Learn about no-cost opportunities for districts and schools focused on school climate improvement and social emotional learning offered through the NJ SCI Survey and Platform, a free resource developed by Rutgers and the NJDOE. It will also introduce Sustainable Jersey for Schools (NJS4S) a free, voluntary certification program for NJ public schools that implement a broad range of sustainability actions, from saving energy to fostering inclusivity. Learn how NJSCI resources can help schools implement school climate initiatives that would be recognized for Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification, including a preview of a recently updated action on School Culture and Climate Needs Assessment. Click Here to access the recording

Title: Anti-Bullying: Essential Understandings

Presenter: Stuart Green, Founder, NJ Coalition for Bullying Awareness and Prevention Description: While addressing bullying may seem complicated, rule-bound, formal, legalistic and even bureaucratic, there are a small number (5) of essential understandings that form the necessary basis for fluid, flexible and effective anti-bullying work. These are: [1] Bullying as an institutional phenomenon,[2]2 The importance of culture and climate, [3] Adult modeling and action/inaction, [4] Proactive support for those most vulnerable, [5] Attention to peer support and relationships. We will briefly discuss each of these foundational factors. Click Here to access the recording

Title: Developing a Mindset of Hope and Perseverance

Presenter: Patrick Fennell, Empowerment Solutions and SEL4NJ Description: We find ourselves in a time where an increasing number of students, teachers, administrators and parents are challenged and/or struggling with growing uncertainty, fear and a sense of powerlessness. In order to be ready for the future, it is critical to develop the skills of hope and perseverance so that we can individually and collectively overcome the challenges we face today and emerge stronger and prepared for success tomorrow. This interactive workshop will [1] Highlight the impact of hope and perseverance, [2] Clarify what hope and perseverance look like in the classroom, and [3] Share best practices for developing the mindset where hope and perseverance thrive. Click Here to access the recording

Title: Being Creative with SEL in Mercer County

Presenters: Michael Roseborough and Marianne Alt, Kidsbridge and The Children’s Home Society of NJ Description: This presentation will showcase the impactful work Kidsbridge has accomplished in Mercer County schools, highlighting our commitment to fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) among students. Through engaging, research-backed programs, we have empowered young minds with the tools to navigate emotions, build empathy, and develop critical problem-solving skills.  We will also emphasize the increasing need for creative and innovative SEL programming to address the evolving challenges that students face today. By integrating interactive activities, storytelling, and real-world applications, Kidsbridge ensures that SEL is not just a concept, but a lived experience that encourages personal growth and cultivates stronger, more inclusive school communities. Click Here to access the recording