Social-emotional learning is at the core of Carrie White’s 2nd grade classroom in Schenectady, N.Y.
The veteran teacher has been in the classroom for nearly 20 years. Reflecting on that journey, she discusses not only how much the teaching profession has changed in that time, but how much the kids have changed, too.
No longer is focusing on the academics enough, she says, as kids come into her classroom with “big emotions” that they need to learn how to handle.
“The academics won’t come unless we get that social-emotional piece settled,” she says.
White shares her thoughts and offers suggestions for school and district leaders looking to improve teachers’ day-to-day experiences.
