Whole-Child Teaching Practice

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Instructor: Emily Dills
A collaborative course that uses a case study approach to help educators address students’ social-emotional learning (SEL) needs. Participants analyze real student scenarios, engage in structured group consultations, and design both classroom-wide and individualized support plans. The course fosters sustainable peer support systems to strengthen ongoing SEL implementation and reflection.

Course information

For teachers and support staff
Duration: 12 hours
4 sessions
Live peer-to-peer learning

The methodology

Teachers will learn in small groups of 2-5 colleagues, meeting once a week for 4 weeks. Sessions are 1.5 hours and can be in-person or online.

Course syllabus

Session 1: Understanding Whole-Child Needs

  • • Explore the concept of whole-child education and its implications for SEL
  • • Identify a student whose needs extend beyond academics for in-depth case study work
  • • Analyze factors influencing the student’s well-being, behavior, and learning

Session 2: Collaborative Consultation and Problem-Solving

  • • Use a structured group consultation protocol to examine challenging student cases
  • • Generate actionable strategies that address emotional, behavioral, and social needs
  • • Reflect on biases and assumptions that may impact student support

Session 3: Designing SEL Support Plans

  • • Develop classroom-wide practices that promote a safe and inclusive environment
  • • Create an individualized SEL support plan for the student case study
  • • Ensure plans are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based

Session 4: Building Peer Support Systems for SEL

  • • Establish a system for ongoing peer collaboration around SEL implementation
  • • Share successes and challenges from support plan implementation
  • • Design a sustainable model for continued SEL reflection and practice

Instructor

Emily Dills's profile photo

Emily Dills

Emily Dills is an experienced educator, EQ coach, and founder dedicated to transforming how adults engage with kids. With almost 20 years in education, she brings a unique Dual-Generation EQ Model that equips caregivers, educators, and youth workers with practical emotional intelligence tools to better support children’s development. Emily’s work blends research-backed strategies with real-life experience to create confident, emotionally healthy adults who can help kids thrive.

How it works

You will join a group of 2 to 5 colleagues, and as a group, you will meet 4 times, either in person or online, at a time you all agree on.

1

Join a circle

Organize your study group with colleagues. You'll have 3 days to "match," from January 2 to January 5.

2

Agree on a schedule

Decide the most convenient time for your sessions, online or in person.

3

Join and collaborate

When the session arrives, connect with your colleagues and complete the activities together.

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