b'10 RAPPORT | Feature StoryEmbedding social emotional learning (SEL)providing TECCA staff specific SEL training, so we into the culture of the school system is an integralare equipped to better support the unique needs of component in creating a healthy school environmentour diverse student population. where students can thrive. Students benefit from improved academic performance, classroomThe DNA of DEIbehavior, and ability to cope with stress.How do you have courageous conversations? How do Some people think social emotional learning isyou keep everyone at the table? And how do you look just a curriculum. Perhaps even an outdated term.at the data and use it to inform your practice?Lopez Reilly, PhD, disagrees. The development ofIn the wake of a long-overdue racial reckoning social emotional competencies is a lifelong learningin the United States, questions like these have process. At BHELS, its an ingrained practice.overtaken educators who have been scrambling Working with teachers and school leaders toto incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion integrate SEL is a transformative process and at theprograms into their schools. How meaningful heart of the BHELS mission. that incorporation might be runs the gamut. TEC Connections Academy, a BHELS partner,Not so for students at 蜜桃tv.is an online Massachusetts public school whereThe first cohort of the new School Leadership Patrick Lattuca, PhD, is superintendent. He shares,certificate program began its final semester this TECCAs partnership with 蜜桃tvfall. Says program director Kris Taylor, EdD, Its has been invaluable. They have worked directly withabout sharpening the lenslearning how to use your district and building administrators and grade- personal why or your philosophy around education level leads with the intent of building the districtto bring people together to create school climates and leadership capacity holistically. Some of their mostcultures that can be responsive.impactful work centers around understandingThe new Graduate Certificate in School Leadership and adhering to group norms that paves the wayfor Educational Equity, Racial Understanding, and for psychological safety and community, whichOrganizational Transformation is a cornerstone helps ensure TECCA has a safe, respectful, andprogram for the Center, helping educators build professional learning environment. Additionally,equitable mindsets, inclusive environments, and 蜜桃tv has provided TECCA district- effective instructional practice in their school wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training andsystems. We are aiming to transform how everyone supports our Social Emotional Learning (SEL)views the work of leadership. Equity leadership is initiatives. This year, 蜜桃tv will begood leadership, shares Taylor.Town of Needham session on racial equity, co-facilitated by Gabrielle Palmer.'