SEL Principal community of Practice

Last year, when asked "why has SEL mattered for my school this year" and "why SEL matters for me and my leadership," the principals shared that:

  • SEL creates the conditions that will help people to be their best.

  • SEL allows me to be a humane principal.

  • SEL supports me to be my best possible self. (can't be our best selves if our SEL needs aren't met)

During a year of uncertainty and constant change, a focal group of elementary principals gathered every other month to engage in reflection and inquiry about their leadership and the role of SEL.

Principals' Reflections from the 2020-21 Community of Practice

JOIN THIS YEAR'S

SEL PRINCIPAL COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

The 2021-22 OUSD SEL Principal Community of Practice builds on the foundation created by the 2020-21 pilot group. The goal is to nurture the leadership of elementary principals from across OUSD to lead change through the lens of SEL.

We value leaders’ questions, uncertainties, and unique experiences—and we know that this year is one of more questions and uncertainties than ever. We are action-oriented, supporting you to make intentional decisions grounded in your core values. You will build community with principals from other sites who are experiencing similar challenges as you reflect on and develop your leadership. This leadership development experience will align with OUSD’s SEL Lead Learner Inquiry Group, and will include opportunities to build partnership between the SEL Lead Learner and principal in service of building and strengthening schoolwide SEL.

2021-22 SEL Principal Community of Practice Overview

Monthly sessions to support collective inquiry into SEL site leadership

  • Sept. 28, 3:30-4:30pm (collaborative session with your SEL Lead Learner)

  • Session 1: Oct. 20, time tbd

  • Session 2: November 17, time tbd

  • Session 3: January 19, time tbd

  • January 25, time tbd (collaborative session with your SEL Lead Learner)

  • Session 4: February 16, time tbd

  • Session 5: March 16, time tbd

  • Session 6: April 20, time tbd

  • Session 7: May 11, time tbd

  • May 17, time tbd (collaborative session with your SEL Lead Learner)

Principal thought partnership

  • Option of a 30 min. thought partnership every month, with our without your SEL Lead Learner

“SEL isn’t a thing that stands on its own. It’s how we do all the stuff, relationships, learn together, problem solve. We want to create spaces for children and adults to be in spaces that allow for this—and SEL is the entry point.”

Heather Palin, Principal, Emerson Elementary

"As you do this work [of collaborative inquiry] you begin to uncover your values. As you go through this process you become self-aware of your own potential.” — OUSD Principal

If you are an OUSD elementary principal or AP interested in building community with your colleagues who are experiencing similar challenges as you reflect on and develop your leadership, a community where you are supported to make intentional decisions grounded in your core values, then consider joining the 2021-22 SEL Principal Community of Practice.