Explore how school leaders can cultivate thriving cultures where every identity is honored, every voice matters, and wellbeing drives performance. Designed for educators in independent and international settings, IFSEL’s Executive Director Nick Haisman-Smith and Founding Head of Hiba Academy Bay Area Colette McWilliams as we dive into practical, relational strategies that make values visible and felt across your entire community.

You’ll learn how to:

We also explore what it truly means to lead in bilingual and multicultural environments:

Think of SEL like the staff room coffee machine: technically, school can run without it… but no one is at their best.

If you believe strong school cultures are built through connection, cultural humility, and whole-community leadership, this podcast is for you.

Check out IFSEL’s Whole Community SEL Audit to understand your school’s landscape: https://www.instituteforsel.net/what-we-offer/sel-audit 

Download the Shownotes here: https://www.instituteforsel.net/posts/sel-cast-culture-and-belonging-as-a-strategy-in-international-schools-with-colette-mcwilliams 

Check out our upcoming Summer Institute: Staying Human in the Age of AI: https://www.instituteforsel.net/sel-workshops/staying-human-in-the-age-of-ai  

Download the Show Notes for this episode: https://www.instituteforsel.net/posts/sel-cast-ai-cell-phones-and-educators-navigating-change---with-tricia-friedman 

Episode Description:

As educators and students navigate constant change, expectations often shift faster than systems can keep up. Teachers feel pressure to have all the answers, while students experience inconsistency across classrooms. Tricia reminds us that while the goalposts may keep moving, belonging, empathy, and compassion remain constant, making SEL foundational in this moment.

We discuss the importance of slowing down and creating space for meaning-making in schools, asking deeper questions about perspective, humanity, and how learning connects to real life. Tricia also challenges common fears about AI, arguing that rigid assessment practices, not technology, are often the biggest barrier to creativity.

The conversation extends to SEL for adults, emphasizing that schools thrive when educators are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences. We also unpack the nuance around cell phone bans and screen time, highlighting equity, context, and the importance of modeling healthy digital habits.

Care is central to the teaching profession—but many school systems aren’t designed to sustain it.

In this episode, we explore Adult SEL and what a true culture of care looks like in the everyday reality of schools. As student needs rise, educators are being stretched thin by systems that deplete rather than restore. Drawing on the idea of regenerative cultures, we discuss how schools can move beyond the “give, give, give” model to support educator wellbeing without sacrificing excellence. We challenge the martyr mindset, examine why rest can feel uncomfortable, and reflect on the idea that we never heal in isolation.

The conversation also highlights why leaders must be regulated themselves to create healthy, sustainable school cultures. You’ll leave with practical ideas for setting boundaries, creating supportive norms, and building care within your zone of influence.

Download this episode's ShowNotes: https://www.instituteforsel.net/posts/sel-cast-podcast-reimagining-schools-addressing-teacher-burnout-through-wellbeing-and-regenerative-systems---ruth-poulsen 

Read Ruth's Substack for more insights! https://regenerativeschools.substack.com 

In this episode, we explore how Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) are not short-term programs — they are ongoing commitments that shape the heart of a school community.

Motoka Maegawa shares how consistent SEL practices, responsive systems, and restorative practices can strengthen belonging, trust, and accountability in every corner of a school, from staff meetings to classroom conversations.

Key Insights Include:

Listen to the full episode for more insights! For Shownotes, visit our webpage: https://www.instituteforsel.net/posts/sel-cast-restorative-practices-in-schools-building-equity-and-belonging---with-motoko-maegawa 

We’re joined by Emma Dunbar, Supervisor of Deeper Learning at San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), to explore how schools can embed SEL into daily routines, relationships, and curriculum design.

Together, we discuss practical ways educators can build inclusive classrooms, nurture diversity, and strengthen well-being for both students and adults. Emma shares insights on creating Advisory structures that align with deeper learning, elevate student leadership, and sustain a culture of care across the whole school community.

For Free Resources and Events: https://www.instituteforsel.net

For downloadable Podcast Shownotes (recaps): https://www.instituteforsel.net/posts/sel-cast-shownotes---emma-dunbar 

In this episode, we explore Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and how IFSEL’s Whole-Community Approach strengthens wellbeing, belonging, and safeguarding across schools.

Discover how SEL cultivates both intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, supports restorative practices, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion through authentic connection.

Join Nick Haisman-Smith and Trinity Thompson as we explore how intentional SEL builds communities of care where diversity is valued, wellbeing is prioritized, and every voice belongs.

Visit our website for free resources and events: https://www.instituteforsel.net 

Free Shownotes (PDF recap of episode): https://www.instituteforsel.net/posts/sel-cast-shownotes---trinity-thompson