SEL Course

 
 

SESL Certificate Course for Jewish Educators

The goal of this course is to explore the basic theory and practices of Social, Emotional, and Spiritual learning (SESL) as applied to the field of Jewish education.  The course begins with an introduction and overview of the topic and explores the research of many experts in this growing field , which includes the neuroscience of learning and the relationship of the brain and cognition.   A focus of our learning will also include the unique opportunity Jewish educators have to address the spiritual lives of their students. Central to the course will be the learning and understanding of skill development and the skills needed to acquire the 5 core competencies defined by CASEL, which will include specific strategies to foster a SESL learning environment as well as how SESL skills can promote the individual growth and development of each of our students.

This approach to social, emotional and spiritual learning adds the component of spirituality and religion to SEL and makes it most appropriate for Jewish and other religious learning. It places social and emotional learning within the context of Jewish texts and traditions to foster the growth of these positive life outcomes:

 ·   Developing an understanding of ourselves and our emotions

 ·   Forging meaningful connections with others

 ·   Caring about, and contributing to, our local and global communities

 ·   Achieving a sense of meaning, purpose, and transcendence.

 SESL helps achieve a key outcome of Jewish education: to create a Jewish learner, who is also a caring and empathic individual, grounded in Jewish values, and who lives their life accordingly.

Developing the skills and mindsets to cultivate social, emotional, and spiritual well-being, our learning will include:

  • Four modules during 12 month period

  • Four zoom sessions per module

  • Four asynchronous havruta sessions per module           

  • Specific tools and resources for Jewish settings

Second cohort begins January 2025. Co-taught with Dr. Evie Rotstein.