I attended IFSEL's summer institute in Chicago to learn more about social emotional learning and continue developing techniques and practices to use as a middle school teacher. The conference was experiential. We tried out many of the practices while also being taught to use them with students. It was beneficial to take on the role of a learner and see the impact of team building and leadership activities on a small cohort of people. I tried on different roles in the different sessions and had many helpful notes and takes aways that I have referred to in the weeks since.

The conference also provided me with tools and routines to use with students in an age appropriate way. I enjoyed learning about check-in as a tool for self-regulation, and I have been trying it at the beginning of each of my classes. Open Session was also a helpful experience. It is a very useful tool to experience and see in action. There were many experienced educators to learn from in addition to the instructors, and the collaborative nature of the conference led to many discussions and lessons learned from each other.

I would recommend IFSEL to any middle school educator working with students, especially advisors. For more information about upcoming IFSEL sessions follow this link: https://www.instituteforsel.net/institutes.