In today’s classrooms, teachers support students in developing emotional and social skills that help them succeed in life while delivering academic lessons. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has become crucial for cultivating empathy, building positive relationships and promoting student self-awareness.
Educators must receive proper training to implement SEL effectively. Many teachers now pursue SEL courses to gain the knowledge, skills and best practices necessary to integrate SEL successfully into their classrooms. Some even earn a certificate in SEL.
Earning a certificate in SEL benefits both students and teachers. Research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of SEL in improving student outcomes. The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) reviewed over 100 studies and found that SEL has a measurable, positive impact on academic performance.
According to CASEL, “When students have supportive relationships and opportunities to develop and practice social, emotional and cognitive skills across many different contexts, academic learning accelerates.”
What Is Social Emotional Learning?
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) helps children and adults understand and manage emotions while developing empathy for others. A study published in Psychological Bulletin defines SEL as:
“A process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.”
The study highlights the importance of SEL training for educators and school administrators. While SEL programs offer multiple benefits, their effectiveness depends on how well they are implemented.
SEL is relevant at all grade levels, from early childhood to high school. Teachers who integrate SEL into their classrooms help students build lifelong skills that enhance academic success and emotional well-being.
How SEL Benefits Students
When educators incorporate SEL into their teaching or earn a certificate in SEL, students experience profound benefits. They include the following:
Improved academic performance. Students who develop self-regulation and emotional awareness tend to set and achieve academic goals more effectively.
Stronger problem-solving skills. SEL teaches students how to think critically and resolve conflicts constructively.
Enhanced classroom environment. SEL helps reduce disruptive behaviors like bullying and fosters a more positive, inclusive learning atmosphere.
Long-term academic gains. Research cited by CASEL shows that years after participating in SEL programs, students demonstrate academic performance 13 percentile points higher than their peers who did not receive SEL instruction.
According to the nonprofit Committee for Children, well-implemented SEL programs equip students with essential life skills such as impulse control, empathy and decision-making. These skills benefit students beyond the classroom and into adulthood.
The Impact of SEL on Teachers
SEL doesn’t just benefit students. It also supports teachers' well-being. The skills learned in SEL can help educators improve their own self-awareness and stress management. By practicing SEL principles, teachers can:
- Reduce stress and burnout. A positive, well-managed classroom environment leads to fewer disciplinary challenges and more student engagement.
- Enhance work-life balance. Teachers who prioritize SEL are more likely to practice self-care, ensuring they maintain their well-being while supporting their students.
- Experience greater job satisfaction. Seeing students thrive emotionally and academically contributes to a more fulfilling teaching experience.
SEL certification empowers teachers with the tools to create an emotionally supportive learning environment that benefits everyone, students and educators alike.
For teachers who want to make a meaningful impact, SEL certification is a valuable step toward promoting student success and improving their professional experience. With training in SEL best practices, educators can transform their classrooms into spaces where students excel academically and grow into confident, compassionate individuals.
The Fresno Pacific University Continuing Education Programs Courses in SEL
Fresno Pacific University offers an online Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Certificate program for educators who aim to create safe and supportive classroom environments. The program emphasizes evidence-based, age-appropriate strategies for fostering collaborative partnerships among families, students and the educational community. Educators will gain tools and knowledge to support students' social and emotional development, enhancing their overall well-being and academic success.
The program offers 100% online coursework, enabling educators to progress at their own pace while managing full-time professional responsibilities. Instructors with extensive classroom experience provide individualized support, ensuring the practical application of SEL concepts. By completing this certificate, educators enhance their ability to stimulate students' social and emotional growth, contributing to a more positive and effective learning environment.