Social and emotional skills are an important part of education

During these turbulent times, the need for social and emotional skills has never been greater.  

 

Al Estee, founder of the Social Emotional Learning Alliance for South Carolina (SEL4SC), believes developing these skills can change the direction of people’s lives, especially for children. 

 

“This evidence based learning model teaches children how to effectively manage stress, anxiety and anger that can lead to very negative outcomes when not addressed,” he said.

 

A member group of SEL4US, a national organization, SEL4SC’s mission is to provide educational training and support for area schools. Estee’s childhood was instrumental in developing his desire to create a program that teaches students emotional skills. 

 

“I was abandoned as a child and adopted by a single parent. I had very little growing up,” he said. “I carried many emotional wounds for many years that caused feelings of inadequacy and shame ... Later in life, with the help of an emotional coach, I learned how to manage my emotions and was able to go on to have a successful career and meaningful life. Looking back, I wish I had been able to receive SEL (social and emotional learning) skills at a much younger age.”

 

Daniel Island resident Mireille Mcquade believes that an education in social and emotional support should be a top priority.  

 

“With kids being out of their school routine right now, or feeling out of place, this can take a real toll on some kids and may cause many unnecessary negative long term effects,” Mcquade said. “I would love to see a program in place that would help us be proactive and benefit everyone’s future.”

 

Patrick Martin, a Lowcountry public school teacher, expressed the importance of a program for students as they navigate the complexities of school, social life, and technology.

 

 “As a teacher, I can see firsthand the social-emotional needs of our students. Students need to know that parents and teachers and community members are all partners in their academic and emotional well-being,” Martin said. “Overemphasis on standardized test scores and reduction in funding for mental health resources like counselors leaves our students to find their way without the tools they need. SEL4SC understands that the key is investing in passionate, compassionate, and trained adults.”

 

Steve Parker, a local board member at Wings, an organization that helps at-risk kids, said programs such as SEL4SC are important for the community.  

 

“Children on Daniel Island need to develop these skills because research shows that children with well-developed social and emotional skills live more joyful and successful lives,” Parker said.  “Our community wants what’s best for our kids and ensuring they have well-developed SEL skills is one way to set our kids up for success. SEL is an extremely important part of education.”

 

Wings Chief Strategic Partnership Officer and DI resident Julia Rugg believes learning social and emotional skills should be part of education in South Carolina schools.

 

“SEL4SC joins many other states across the country in promoting effective social and emotional practices .... Al’s organization serves a critical purpose in connecting partners and industries within this space – from education to youth development to corporate to government,” she said.

 

For more information, go to sel4sc.org.