Whole-Child Teaching Practice
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
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.
For teachers and support staff
Duration: 12 hours
4 sessions
Live peer-to-peer learning