The Saracast: Conversations in Social Emotional Learning invites listeners to a deep-dive into the field of social emotional wellness. With weekly episodes featuring interviews with researchers, scientists, educators, and experts in the field, The Saracast connects the science of social emotional learning with the practice of applying SEL to our daily lives.
December 10, 2020
10. Navigating a Pandemic: A Conversation with Principals
In the Season 1 Finale of the Saracast, we look back on 2020 with principals Kevyn Bowles and Jessica Drzewucki from NYC and Dr. Melinda Johnson from Charles County, Maryland to learn about their experience leading their school communities through a global pandemic. In the Saracast, Sara uses Creative Exercises to ground herself & her […]
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December 03, 2020
9. Shifting the Paradigm with Mathew Portell
What does it look like for an entire school to shift to centering trauma-informed practices? In this episode, Sara speaks with Mathew Portell, principal of Fall-Hamilton Elementary and founder of Paradigm Shift Education, about creating a school culture that centers on social emotional learning and trauma-informed practices. In the Saracast, Sara uses Creative Exercises to […]
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November 19, 2020
8. The Power of Data with Dr. Clark McKown
How does assessment strengthen SEL instruction? In this episode, Sara speaks with Dr. Clark McKown, Founder & President of xSEL Labs, about the role that assessments play in social emotional learning, prejudice reduction, and equity. In the Saracast, Sara uses Creative Exercises to ground herself & her guests before each interview. We can bring moments […]
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November 12, 2020
7. Managing Stress Through Mindfulness with Dina Nunziato
Stress takes on a whole new meaning in 2020. How can you give yourself moments of micro-recoveries throughout your stressful days? In this episode, Sara speaks with Dina Nunziato, LCSW, the Director of Counseling & Psychological Services at the Health & Wellness Center at Sarah Lawrence College about recognizing stress in the body, mindfulness and […]
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November 05, 2020
6. Community-Building and Vulnerability in the Classroom with Kristie-Anne Opaleski
Social emotional learning is not just for elementary school. What does SEL look like in high school? In this episode, Sara speaks with Kristie-Anne Opaleski, an educator and teaching coach who currently teaches high school English, to learn more about what social emotional learning looks like in a high school classroom. In the Saracast, Sara […]
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October 29, 2020
5. Making the Shift: Universal Social Emotional Learning with Christopher Soto and James Futrell from Durham Public Schools
Social emotional learning is more than just a classroom practice. What can it look like for an entire district to adopt social emotional learning? In this episode, Sara speaks with James Futrell, Director of Student Services for Engagement and Access, and Christopher Soto, Social-Emotional Learning + Mental Health Coordinator at Durham Public Schools, to learn […]
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October 22, 2020
4. The Importance of Play with Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek
How has the science of learning evolved, and have schools done enough to keep up? How does play promote executive functioning? How does the human brain depend on relationships for learning? In this episode, Sara speaks with Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek from the Brookings Institute to explore these questions and more. In the Saracast, […]
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October 15, 2020
3. Moving SEL Policy into Practice with Nick Yoder
Social emotional development is foundational to learning, and educational policy plays a critical role in shaping how SEL happens in schools. But how does educational policy inform SEL at the state, district, and school level? Host Sara LaHayne speaks with Nick Yoder, the former Director of Policy and Practice at the Collaborative for Academic, Social, […]
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October 08, 2020
2. SEL Implementers vs. SEL Sustainers with Dr. Maurice Elias
In this episode, Sara speaks with Dr. Maurice Elias, the Director of the Social-Emotional & Character Development Lab at Rutgers University and the “Godfather of SEL,” about the importance of sustainability when it comes to social emotional learning. About Dr. Maurice Elias Maurice J. Elias is a professor in the Psychology Department at […]
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