Brick by Brick: A Leader’s Guide to Building SEL in Schools

Dear SEL4NJ Colleague:

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), in collaboration with the Social Emotional and Character Development Lab at Rutgers University looks forward to the release of an upcoming online course, Brick by Brick: A Leader’s Guide to Building SEL in Schools. This asynchronous course includes five modules to support school leaders to implement systemic SEL in schools.

Prior to the course launch, the Social Emotional and Character Development Lab will host three in-person workshops to serve as an “on-ramp” to the online leadership course allowing participants to advance directly to later course modules upon successful completion.

SEL4NJ invites you to participate in one of the three in-person workshops. Further details are below.

Sincerely,

The team at SEL4NJ

May 7, 2025

Saint Elizabeth University

2 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ

Registration Deadline: April 25

Register Now

May 13, 2025

New Jersey Principals & Supervisors Association

12 Centre Drive, Monroe Township, NJ

Registration Deadline: May 2

Register Now

May 28, 2025

Rowan University

201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ

Registration Deadline: May 16

Register Now

The interactive in-person workshop will introduce school leaders and aspiring school leaders to a structured approach for integrating social and emotional learning (SEL), character development, school culture and climate, and culturally responsive education into their schools. Participants will explore four foundational building blocks that create an inclusive, supportive, and academically thriving environment for students.

Through discussions, activities, and assessments, attendees will:

  • Identify the key components of high-quality SEL/SECD at the district, school, and classroom levels and understand its critical role.
  • Develop strategies for organizing and leading a cross-role stakeholder team to enhance SEL implementation and school climate.
  • Examine the role of equity in SEL leadership and decision-making.

Participants will leave the training with a clear vision of the scope of the course and an understanding of the foundational principles and their own leadership strengths and strategies to transform their schools into engaging student-centered learning environments.

Registration

Participation is limited to individuals employed in a k-12 public, charter, or Renaissance school in NJ.
Spaces are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
If interested in participating, you must register for one of the available options through the registration links provided below.