How do school counselors support social and emotional learning (SEL)?

School counselors play a crucial role in fostering social and emotional learning (SEL) by teaching coping strategies and social skills. This involves equipping students with the tools necessary to manage their emotions, set goals, show empathy for others, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Through individual and group counseling sessions, school counselors can implement SEL programs that encourage self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Teaching coping strategies helps students navigate challenges and stressors they may encounter, promoting resilience and emotional well-being. By focusing on social skills, school counselors also facilitate students' abilities to interact positively with peers, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively, which are essential for their overall development and success in both school and life.

Options involving organizing study groups, assigning tasks, or grading social interactions do not directly address the social and emotional competencies that are foundational to SEL. These activities, while valuable in other contexts, do not promote the emotional and social skills that counselors specifically aim to enhance through dedicated SEL programming.