Explore our professional learning programs, designed to help educators seamlessly incorporate SEL into their classrooms

My Learning Toolbox Education offers specialised professional learning opportunities centred around Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). With our extensive resources and expertise, our aim is to assist educators in cultivating meaningful learning environments. Recognising the distinct needs of each school, we've curated a versatile suite of professional development sessions. Whether your preference leans towards concise workshops or more comprehensive training, our offerings can be tailored to resonate with your school's specific goals. Additionally, we provide flexibility in terms of professional development hours, ensuring a seamless integration into your school's timetable, all while optimising the experience for the educators.

Professional learning tailored to the needs of your school

Learning Outcomes

  • Learning Outcome 1: Introduction to Social and Emotional Learning

    This session introduces educators to the foundational aspects of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), emphasising its critical role in education. It offers insights into the renowned CASEL framework and equips educators with a high-level understanding of SEL's application in schools and classrooms.

    Session Outline:

    • What is SEL and why is it important?

      • Definition of SEL.

      • The role of SEL in holistic student development.

    • Research-based benefits of SEL on academic achievement and student mental health and wellbeing.

    • The CASEL framework and the five core competencies of SEL.

  • Learning Outcome 2: Understanding the Five Core Competencies of SEL

    This session delves deeper into the heart of SEL with a comprehensive exploration of CASEL's Five Core Competencies. This session is designed to equip educators with a thorough understanding of each competency, supplemented with practical activities to bring the concepts to life.

    Session Outline:

    • Self-awareness: Delve into the nuances of recognising one's emotions and values.

    • Self-management: Uncover effective strategies to manage emotions and handle challenging situations.

    • Social awareness: Understand the importance of empathising and grasping diverse perspectives.

    • Relationship skills: Learn the essentials of building and sustaining positive relationships.

    • Responsible decision-making: Grasp the significance of making ethical and constructive choices.

  • Learning Outcome 3: Implementing SEL in Schools and Classroom with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

    This session offers an in-depth exploration of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework and its integration with SEL. Educators will gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively implement both implicit and explicit SEL instruction within the MTSS framework.

    Session Outline:

    • MTSS and SEL:

      • Understanding the three tiers of MTSS and how they relate to SEL.

      • Tailoring implicit and explicit SEL instruction to the different Tiers of MTSS.

      • Strategies for tiered interventions tailored to students' SEL needs.

    • Strategies for data-driven decision-making to identify students' SEL needs and provide appropriate tiered support.

    • Collaborative team approaches within MTSS to ensure effective SEL implementation across tiers.

  • Learning Outcome 4: Adult SEL for Educators and Building Resilient Educational Communities

    This session focuses on the importance of Adult SEL, offering strategies for educators to enhance their own social and emotional wellbeing, and discussing the role of SEL in building resilient educational communities.

    Session Outline:

    • The significance of Adult SEL

      • Exploring the connection between educators' wellbeing and effective SEL implementation.

      • Practical strategies for educators to enhance their own SEL skills.

    • Building Resilient Educational Communities:

      • The role of SEL in fostering resilience among educators and students.

      • Collaborative approaches to support and uplift each other in the educational community.

Training Packages

Half Day: The Foundations of SEL

  • The half day session aims to provide a broad understanding of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), its importance in education, and the foundational elements of the CASEL framework. This session is ideal for schools looking for an introduction to SEL principles.

  • Introduction to SEL; Importance of SEL in holistic student development; Overview of the CASEL framework; and Insight into the role of SEL in enhancing educational outcomes.

Full Day: Mastery of SEL Competencies

  • The full day session offers a more detailed exploration of SEL, focusing on the mastery of CASEL’s Five Core Competencies, supplemented with practical activities. This session is designed for schools who wish to delve deeper into each competency and understand their application in educational settings.

  • Comprehensive exploration of the five core competencies; Practical activities to bring concepts to life; Strategies for implementing SEL principles in classrooms; and In-depth understanding of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Two-Day: Strategic SEL Integration & Resilient Communities

  • The two-day package is designed to equip educators with advanced strategies for integrating SEL within the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support framework, enhancing adult SEL, and building resilient educational communities. It is ideal for educators who are looking to implement a robust SEL program in their school.

  • Strategies for integrating SEL within the MTSS framework; Advanced strategies for adult SEL; Building resilient educational communities through collaborative approaches; Strategies for data-driven decision-making; and Tiered interventions tailored to students' SEL needs.

Facilitated by Melissa Close

Melissa Close is a devoted professional and educational researcher at the Centre for Inclusive Education at Queensland University of Technology. Her passion lies in nurturing students' social and emotional development, firmly believing in its fundamental importance for their academic success and overall wellbeing. Throughout her career, Melissa has been dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments, and her work is recognised in her co-authorship of a chapter on Social and Emotional Learning in the Second Edition of Professor Linda Graham’s acclaimed book, "Inclusive Education in the 21st Century: Theory, policy and practice". As the founder of My Learning Toolbox, Melissa specialises in developing educational resources aimed at teaching children social and emotional competencies. Committed to continuous professional development, she eagerly applies her expertise in environments that share her vision for holistic student success.

Read my recent publications:

Close, M., Killingly, C., Gaumer-Erickson, A., & Noonan, P. (2023). What is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and why is it important? In Graham, J. L. (Ed.), Inclusive Education for the 21st Century: Theory, Policy, and Practice (2nd ed., pp. 275-301). Routledge.

Close, M., & Graham, L. J. (2024, February 7). Australia doesn't need a 'Behaviour Curriculum'. We need to implement Social and Emotional Learning now. Australian Association for Research in Education. https://blog.aare.edu.au/australia-doesnt-need-a-behaviour-curriculum-we-need-to-implement-social-and-emotional-learning-now/