Introducing the SEL Lab Model: Collaborative Growth for Effective Social-Emotional Learning

Presenters - Staff and Faculty of Kennebunk Elementary School: 

Anne Baltren, School Counselor, Emilie Brady, 1st Grade Teacher, Austin Muir, School Counselor, Ellen Towne, Assistant Principal

The SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) Lab adapts the Literacy Lab model to focus on building educators' capacity for integrating SEL and behavior management strategies into their classrooms. This innovative professional development framework centers on collaboration, reflection, and practical application.

Teachers participate in peer observations to witness SEL and behavior management techniques in action, followed by structured debrief sessions to analyze and reflect on their observations. To deepen the impact, we’ve added an optional peer coaching component, providing follow-up support as teachers implement these techniques in their own classrooms.

By combining observation, dialogue, and coaching, the SEL Lab creates a supportive environment where educators can refine their practice, share insights, and build skills to enhance their classroom culture and students’ social-emotional growth. This model ensures a sustainable approach to fostering positive behavior and emotional well-being in schools.