Professional Development Opportunities
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Webinar Recording: Understanding Mindfulness-Based Social and Emotional Learning Programs Through an Epigenetics Lens
In this webinar recording, our expert panelists Dr. Kim Schonert-Reichl, Dr. Molly Lawlor, and Marna Macmillan discuss a pioneering research study examining the ways in which a mindfulness-based SEL program (MindUP) for middle school students can get “under the skin” and result in change in DNA methylation (aka social epigenetics) and stress physiology. Dr. Molly Lawlor describes the new MindUP middle school curriculum, and Dr. Kim Schonert-Reichl and Marna Macmillan describe the study. They will also share what this means practically, including providing strategies and resources for implementing SEL in the classroom as children return back to school. Webinar Recording: Building Compassionate Classrooms This webinar provides teachers, support staff, and administrators with information, ideas, and strategies to create compassionate spaces for students, especially during difficult times. Dr. Linda O'Neill's one hour presentation explores how to build compassionate learning environments, allowing both staff and students to thrive. Featured Presenter: Dr. Linda O’Neill Linda O'Neill is a practicing counsellor, a certified trauma specialist and counsellor educator in the Department of Psychology at the University of Northern BC. Dr. O'Neill has years of trauma-related practice with children, youth and adults in the Prince George community and has compiled and designed research on all aspects of trauma effects and interventions. Moderator: Holly Vivier Holly Vivier is a District Resource Teacher for Social Emotional Learning at the Vancouver School Board's Social Emotional Learning Centre (SELC). She has been in education for 17 years and has worked extensively with children in behaviour and social-emotional programs. Holly has recently completed a Masters degree focusing on SEL with an Indigenous lens at SFU. Access to this professional development webinar is available by donation through Eventbrite. Upon registration, you will receive a private link to a recording of the webinar. All proceeds will be donated to SEL BC. Previous Events: \SEL BC Annual Retreat - SEL in an Ever-Changing World - June 2025 SEL BC is excited to announce our annual one-day retreat: SEL in an Ever-Changing World! How can social-emotional learning help us navigate the shifting landscapes of our communities, our environment, and our relationships? Together, we will explore how SEL intersects with Indigeneity, climate change and other evolving challenges facing our world and mental health, and the essential role of social connection for children and youth in times of rapid change. Our day will feature emerging research and practical strategies for supporting students, educators, and administrators alike, guided by these presentations: Walking Together: First Peoples Principles of Learning and Social and Emotional Learning in Teaching Circle - Dr. Johanna Sam, UBC Climate Impacts on Mental Health in BC Youth - Judy Wu; PhD Candidate, MPH, BSc; SFU Embedding Psychological Safety in Educational Practice: A Way to More Collaborative, Creative and Healthy Workplaces - Dr. Gail Markin Youth Social Connection: From Research to Practice - SFU CHART Lab Presenters: Angela Low, PhD; Giulia de Arruda Maluf, MPH Mindfulness practices, networking prompts, and interactive activities will be interwoven throughout the retreat, offering opportunities to reflect, connect, and be inspired by colleagues who are putting SEL into action across BC. Join us for a day of learning, collaboration, and renewal as we envision the future of SEL in our ever-changing world. Retreat Details: Date: Friday, June 13th, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM \SEL BC Annual Retreat - Responsive SEL: the BC Context - June 2024 SEL BC is pleased to announce our annual June retreat! This year, we will explore how SEL fits into our unique BC context. How can SEL be a catalyst for advancing equity and inclusion in BC’s education system? What insights from data can be translated into actions that optimize the well-being, mental health, and social connectedness of children and youth? Our exploration of this topic will be guided by the following presentations:
Retreat Details: Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 Time: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM Location: Education Services Centre, North Vancouver School District (In Person) \SEL BC Annual Retreat: SEL & Outdoor Play - June 2023 SEL BC is pleased to announce our annual retreat! Our theme this year is SEL and Outdoor Play. How can outdoor engagement, with the land on which we are situated, help young people deepen their relationships with nature and with each other in ways that support their emotional well-being and social interconnectedness? Our exploration of this topic will be informed by perspectives on First Nations principles of learning, and academic research translated into action, including presentations by Tonje Molyneux and Mary Hotomanie. Current SEL BC members will share highlights on various topics within the sphere of SEL from their Districts and organizations in brief lightning talks. Mindfulness experiences and interactive activities will be interwoven throughout the day, providing ample opportunities to connect with, learn from, and be inspired by your fellow SEL educators and researchers about how you are putting SEL into practice on the ground. Retreat Details: Date: Thursday, June 15, 2023 Time: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM Location: Education Services Centre, North Vancouver (Held In Person) \SEL BC Annual Retreat: SEL Promotion and Mental Health - June 2022 SEL BC is hosting a retreat, with a focus on the intersection between SEL Promotion and Mental Health. Featuring presentations from our research partners and established SEL members, there will be an emphasis on how “research informs practice, and practice informs research”, showcasing how research can be brought to life in the form of excellent educational practices. Presentation and discussion topics will include: The Intersection of SEL and Mental Health: Research and Practice at the Cross-Roads, Research on Employee Well-being, SEL Leads Program: Research & Practice, Universal Mental Health & SEL Screening Tools and Overcoming Challenges and Barriers to SEL. Our presenters are: Alex Gist & Connie Easton, Mathew Waugh, Megan Giroux & Rebecca Chaytor; and Thomas Schanding. Compassionate Systems Leadership and Mindfulness-themed activities will be infused throughout the day.* There will be ample opportunities to connect with your fellow SEL educators and researchers through small group discussion, and to share about what’s happening in your districts and on the ground. Retreat Details: Date: Tuesday, June 7, 2022 Time: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM Location: Education Services Centre, North Vancouver (Held In Person) |
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