Professional Learning Should Blend SEL And Equity: SEL Coaches Can Lead The Way

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Professional learning should blend SEL and equity: SEL coaches can lead the way

By Jacy Ippolito and Rachelle Savitz

April 2022

As school districts continue to contend with the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for social justice and equity work is critical. Systemic inequities that have always existed in pre-K-12 schools in the United States have been further exposed and exacerbated by the pandemic. Every school leader needs to ask: How can we promote equity-focused work in schools? Some districts have leaned on district-level directors of equity to lead the work, but they cannot be the lone champions of social justice efforts. Equity leadership requires a broad coalition, and collaboration is key. Some districts are strengthening their coalitions by adding a social and emotional learning (SEL) coach, instructional specialist, or director. Building intentional collaboration among SEL and equity leaders and efforts makes sense, given the extent to

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Jacy Ippolito

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Jacy Ippolito (jippolito@salemstate.edu) is professor and co-coordinator, programs in educational leadership at Salem State University in Salem, Massachusetts.