Tch Talks: A Student’s Perspective on SEL in the Classroom

Does social-emotional learning really make a difference for at-risk students? In Part Three of our series on Social and Emotional Learning, Daniel McCutchen, a recently graduated student from Austin High School in Austin, Texas, joins Tch Talks to discuss his experiences in an intentional SEL-dedicated course. Daniel is not only a former learner, but also attends national conferences and presents on the topic with his teacher. Learn how SEL helped Daniel adjust to the demands and expectations of high school, to prioritize the most important things in his life, and to develop life skills that he is able to apply in a variety of circumstances.
Daniel McCutchen
Daniel McCutchen is a recent graduate of Austin High School, where he was awarded the Trustees’ Scholar Award every year in recognition of outstanding academic achievement. He was salutatorian of his senior class. Daniel excels in sports and practices servant leadership by organizing various charity and humanitarian projects. He is the founder of the Walk For The Water non-profit fundraising organization, an annual 5K race that raises money for clean, accessible water for people in Burundi, Africa. He is an advisor to the Aspen Institute's National Youth Commission, and he teaches a Social and Emotional Learning class to freshman students at his high school. Daniel will be attending Harvard University, where he will run track and study government and international relations.
Resources:
Video: Encouraging Students to Persist Through Challenges
Video: Mindfulness in the Classroom
Video: Emotional Check-Ins
Video: Using Guided Relaxation in the Classroom
Video: Building Emotional Literacy
Class Culture Deep Dive
Blog: Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain
#aNewKindofPD Podcast: Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning
School Connect Curriculum
Edutopia: Social and Emotional Learning
Second Step: Skills for Social and Academic Success
MindUP
PATHS: Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies
Social-Emotional Learning: Essential Skills for Success in School and Life — R. Keeth Matheny at a Capitol Hill briefing held by Committee for Children
School Transformation Through a Social and Emotional Learning Based Freshman Seminar