Studies show a strong social and emotional learning (SEL) foundation has positive outcomes, from increased academic achievement and graduation rates to improved prosocial skills that support a child’s success in school and beyond.

In this episode, Darri Stephens discusses how she has used and built SEL measures in the classroom, in subsequent roles at Common Sense and Wonder Workshop, and now as a consultant. 

At Common Sense, she describes how SEL was woven into the company’s digital literacy and digital citizenship curriculum. At Wonder Workshop, Stephens reflects on how SEL was infused in the company’s worldwide robotics competition, where students spent months in teams, problem-solving, embracing challenges, and “failing forward”. 

Today, Stephens serves as a consultant for organizations like Classroom Champions. Stephens tells how Olympians and other elite world-class athletes are teaching kids SEL skills through the Classroom Champions’ curriculum. She shares how the organization gives kids an incredible VIP access to the athletes so that they can form a mentor-mentee relationship through live chats, video updates, and monthly challenges.