Community Highlights: Meet Susan Davis of SEL4CO

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Davis. They and their team shared their story with us below:

In recent years, a dedicated group of professionals in Colorado, including Dr. Julia Mahfouz, Dr. Laura Summers, and Susan Davis, embarked on a pioneering initiative to establish a state chapter of SEL4US.

Our mission from the outset was to foster an inclusive environment that promotes social and emotional learning (SEL) across the state. By collaborating with the SEL4US alliance, we initiated the development of our state alliance, crafting a leadership team that reflects the diverse voices of Colorado—from educators and school leaders to researchers, community members, and all who are passionate about the benefits of SEL.

Now in its third year, our chapter is focused on identifying and implementing supports that are effective across Colorado’s unique landscapes, from bustling urban centers to secluded rural communities. Our efforts have garnered the endorsement of Governor Polis, who has issued a proclamation in support of #SEL Day for two consecutive years, a significant achievement given the cautious stance many politicians take towards SEL initiatives.

We have developed a robust array of resources, including webinars, newsletters, and a professional development series that aligns with the Colorado Department of Education’s Landscape of Wellbeing framework. These initiatives are designed to enhance the educational landscape of Colorado by providing necessary advocacy, education, and support to various stakeholders.

Our Mission: To enhance the lives of all young people and adults by empowering advocates to champion social and emotional learning throughout Colorado.

Our Vision: We envision a future where all schools and youth-serving organizations are vibrant hubs of safety, empathy, and engagement. Here, both youth and adults will thrive as empathetic, resilient, and civically engaged individuals who are culturally aware and responsive. They will possess the skills necessary to solve problems, manage emotions, and foster positive relationships.

As we look forward to another year, we are excited about the opportunities to further our cause, bringing essential education, advocacy, and support to stakeholders across the state. We remain committed to building a community where the principles of SEL are not only taught but are integral to the development of every individual.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The journey to integrate Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) across educational contexts has not been without its challenges.

Since the onset of the pandemic, educators have encountered significant constraints in terms of bandwidth and available time, making it increasingly difficult to coordinate collaborative support efforts. Moreover, the field of SEL has become highly politicized, leading to hesitancy among some educators to use the term openly. In response, we have adapted our language to resonate more effectively with diverse community needs.

Fortunately, in Colorado, we have not faced legislative restrictions against the implementation of SEL, though the atmosphere in many communities remains fraught with criticism from vocal opponents of SEL. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to navigating this evolving landscape to support not only our youth and educators but also the broader communities they inhabit.

Research consistently shows that parents, regardless of political affiliation, desire similar outcomes for their children. It is crucial, therefore, that we continue to foster dialogue across different viewpoints to focus on our shared goals for the welfare of our children.

This commitment underscores the need for ongoing conversations and unified efforts to advance the cause of SEL in a way that bridges differences and champions the collective good.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about SEL4CO?
SEL4CO, aligned with the broader mission of SEL4US, is dedicated to advocating for and supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) within schools and communities across Colorado. Here’s a detailed overview of what SEL4CO is about, its specialties, and what sets it apart:

SEL4CO focuses on promoting and integrating SEL in educational settings throughout Colorado. The organization works collaboratively with educators, school districts, policymakers, and community members to embed SEL into the fabric of education. By fostering skills such as empathy, resilience, and effective communication, SEL4CO aims to improve academic outcomes, enhance student well-being, and prepare children for successful and fulfilling lives.

SEL4CO specializes in creating and supporting frameworks that bring SEL to the forefront of education. This includes supporting training programs for educators, resources for school curriculum development, and community outreach to ensure a holistic approach to student development.

What distinguishes SEL4CO from other organizations is its collaborative and inclusive approach. SEL4CO works closely with a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that our work is reflective of and responsive to the diverse needs of all communities across Colorado. This inclusive strategy helps tailor SEL initiatives that are culturally relevant and impactful.

Unlike smaller, localized initiatives, SEL4CO has a broad reach that spans the entire state, capable of influencing policy and making a significant impact on how schools and communities approach education and child development.

SEL4CO is particularly proud of its success in advocating for SEL at the local, state, and national levels, which has resulted in endorsements and support from key figures like Governor Polis. This recognition has bolstered the organization’s profile and underscored the importance of SEL in educational discourse.

SEL4CO prides itself on supporting research-based practices and strategies. By leveraging data and proven methods, the organization ensures that the programs and initiatives it supports are effective and genuinely make a difference in the lives of students and educators.

SEL4CO offers a range of resources tailored to support educators, parents, and policymakers. From professional development workshops for educational stakeholders to resources for parents and advocacy guides for policymakers, SEL4CO is committed to providing comprehensive support for SEL integration.

Ultimately, SEL4CO is driven by a vision where every student in Colorado has access to education that supports their social and emotional development. We believe that this focus on SEL not only enhances academic success but also cultivates a more compassionate, resilient, and socially aware generation, not to mention the support it provides to educators.

For those interested in learning more about SEL4CO or getting involved, our website offers a wealth of information, upcoming events, and resources. We encourage educators, parents, and community members to join us in this important work to foster an environment where every child can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
At SEL4CO, we firmly believe that our commitment to collaboration is the cornerstone of our success. This characteristic is vital as it allows us to work effectively with various stakeholders, including educators, parents, school leaders, community organizations, higher education, teacher prep programs, and policymakers. Through these partnerships, we can foster a unified approach to SEL that is inclusive and reflective of the diverse needs and values of communities across Colorado.

Our collaborative ethos ensures that every initiative, training, or program we support is not only based on the latest research and best practices but also tailored to the unique cultural and social dynamics of the populations we serve. This approach enhances the relevance and impact of our alliance, promoting wider acceptance and deeper integration of SEL across educational settings.

Collaboration fuels innovation within our organization by bringing together varied perspectives and expertise. This collective wisdom is crucial for continuously improving and adapting our strategies to meet emerging challenges and opportunities in education today.

SEL4CO’s ability to collaborate effectively is not just a characteristic of our operations; it is the driving force behind our mission to empower all students in Colorado to achieve academic success and personal well-being. Our commitment to working together not only defines who we are but also amplifies our impact, making a significant difference in the lives of young people and adults throughout the state.

Contact Info:

• Website: sel4co.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sel4co?igsh=MWxwYzIwZnRqdDFleg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086919130628
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sel4co/?viewAsMember=true