Free TeachMeet on September 23: Navigating the Election
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Created by IFSEL to inspire and support educators everywhere. Each episode features real-world strategies, practical tips, and authentic insights from fellow teachers—each conversation infused with IFSEL’s signature whole-community approach, wisdom, and heart.
Interested in being a guest? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to nick@instituteforsel.net.
Show notes and episode recaps are available for every episode.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts and discover new ways to strengthen SEL practices, build connections, and bring more joy and purpose into your classroom:
IFSEL's Nick Haisman-Smith discusses what SEL is, it's importance for communities and how SEL is important for aspects of our mental health.
IFSEL's Nick Haisman-Smith discusses what SEL is, it's importance for communities and how SEL is important for aspects of our mental health.
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As educators and students navigate constant change, expectations often shift faster than systems can keep up. Teachers feel pressure to have all the answers, while students experience inconsistency across classrooms. Tricia reminds us that while the goalposts may keep moving, belonging, empathy, and compassion remain constant. The conversation extends to SEL for adults, emphasizing that schools thrive when educators are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences. We also unpack the nuance around cell phone bans and screen time, highlighting equity, context, and the importance of modeling healthy digital habits.
As educators and students navigate constant change, expectations often shift faster than systems can keep up. Teachers feel pressure to have all the answers, while students experience inconsistency across classrooms. Tricia reminds us that while the goalposts may keep moving, belonging, empathy, and compassion remain constant. The conversation extends to SEL for adults, emphasizing that schools thrive when educators are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences. We also unpack the nuance around cell phone bans and screen time, highlighting equity, context, and the importance of modeling healthy digital habits.
Explore how schools can embed SEL into daily routines, relationships, and curriculum design. Together, we discuss practical ways educators can build inclusive classrooms, nurture diversity, and strengthen well-being for both students and adults. Emma shares insights on creating Advisory structures that align with deeper learning, elevate student leadership, and sustain a culture of care across the whole school community. We’re joined by Emma Dunbar, Supervisor of Deeper Learning at San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)!
Explore how schools can embed SEL into daily routines, relationships, and curriculum design. Together, we discuss practical ways educators can build inclusive classrooms, nurture diversity, and strengthen well-being for both students and adults. Emma shares insights on creating Advisory structures that align with deeper learning, elevate student leadership, and sustain a culture of care across the whole school community. We’re joined by Emma Dunbar, Supervisor of Deeper Learning at San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)!
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Care is central to the teaching profession—but many school systems aren’t designed to sustain it. In this episode, we explore Adult SEL and what a true culture of care looks like in the everyday reality of schools. As student needs rise, educators are being stretched thin by systems that deplete rather than restore. Drawing on the idea of regenerative cultures, we discuss how schools can move beyond the “give, give, give” model to support educator wellbeing without sacrificing excellence. We challenge the martyr mindset, examine why rest can feel uncomfortable, and reflect on the idea that we never heal in isolation. The conversation also highlights why leaders must be regulated themselves to create healthy, sustainable school cultures. You’ll leave with practical ideas for setting boundaries, creating supportive norms, and building care within your zone of influence.
Care is central to the teaching profession—but many school systems aren’t designed to sustain it. In this episode, we explore Adult SEL and what a true culture of care looks like in the everyday reality of schools. As student needs rise, educators are being stretched thin by systems that deplete rather than restore. Drawing on the idea of regenerative cultures, we discuss how schools can move beyond the “give, give, give” model to support educator wellbeing without sacrificing excellence. We challenge the martyr mindset, examine why rest can feel uncomfortable, and reflect on the idea that we never heal in isolation. The conversation also highlights why leaders must be regulated themselves to create healthy, sustainable school cultures. You’ll leave with practical ideas for setting boundaries, creating supportive norms, and building care within your zone of influence.
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SEL and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) are not short-term initiatives—they’re ongoing commitments that shape the core of a school community. In this episode, Motoka Maegawa shares how consistent SEL practices, responsive systems, and restorative approaches strengthen belonging, trust, and accountability in every part of school life. She highlights how moving beyond identity awareness, modeling authenticity, and returning to these conversations regularly helps communities grow in depth, empathy, and connection.
SEL and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) are not short-term initiatives—they’re ongoing commitments that shape the core of a school community. In this episode, Motoka Maegawa shares how consistent SEL practices, responsive systems, and restorative approaches strengthen belonging, trust, and accountability in every part of school life. She highlights how moving beyond identity awareness, modeling authenticity, and returning to these conversations regularly helps communities grow in depth, empathy, and connection.
In this episode, we explore Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and how IFSEL’s Whole-Community Approach strengthens wellbeing, belonging, and safeguarding across schools. Discover how SEL cultivates both intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, supports restorative practices, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion through authentic connection. Join Nick Haisman-Smith and Trinity Thompson as we explore how intentional SEL builds communities of care where diversity is valued, wellbeing is prioritized, and every voice belongs.
In this episode, we explore Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and how IFSEL’s Whole-Community Approach strengthens wellbeing, belonging, and safeguarding across schools. Discover how SEL cultivates both intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, supports restorative practices, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion through authentic connection. Join Nick Haisman-Smith and Trinity Thompson as we explore how intentional SEL builds communities of care where diversity is valued, wellbeing is prioritized, and every voice belongs.
In this episode of the Good Insights podcast, Danny Mucinskas interviews Nick Haisman-Smith, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Institute for Social and Emotional Learning. Nick discusses his journey from teaching to co-founding the Institute and highlights the importance of proactive and systemic approaches to social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools. The conversation covers SEL competencies, the importance of cultural sensitivity in conducting this type of work, and how to create supportive environments for both students and educators. Connecting with The Good Project’s framework of “good work,” Nick emphasizes that SEL is integral to achieving excellence, fostering ethical decision-making, and maintaining engagement. The pair conclude by thinking about their hopes for the wider effects of SEL on the world.
In this episode of the Good Insights podcast, Danny Mucinskas interviews Nick Haisman-Smith, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Institute for Social and Emotional Learning. Nick discusses his journey from teaching to co-founding the Institute and highlights the importance of proactive and systemic approaches to social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools. The conversation covers SEL competencies, the importance of cultural sensitivity in conducting this type of work, and how to create supportive environments for both students and educators. Connecting with The Good Project’s framework of “good work,” Nick emphasizes that SEL is integral to achieving excellence, fostering ethical decision-making, and maintaining engagement. The pair conclude by thinking about their hopes for the wider effects of SEL on the world.
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This experiential two-day workshop invites K–12 educators, administrators, counselors, and advisors to explore how to design, embed, and sustain SEL across the whole community.
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The Institute provides participants with inspiration and current research as well as experiential lesson materials. Learn ten distinct educator practices that expand social and emotional learning, inclusivity and well-being.
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This Institute invites educators to collaboratively explore how Social and Emotional Learning and Futures Literacy can center humanity, curiosity, compassion, and belonging in an AI driven era, equipping students with the inner resources to navigate rapid change and shape their future.
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This experiential two-day workshop is designed to upskill your practice and amplify your impact. Together, we’ll unpack the role of the advisor, tackle common challenges, and build a toolkit that promotes student belonging, connection, and success.
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