Deeper Reflective Dive into the CASEL Core Competencies

For more information about the Core Competencies, visit https://casel.org/sel-framework/

Self-Awareness

  • Can you recall times or events in which your identify (race/ethnicity, social class status or gender) were made obvious or important to you?
  • In what ways does your identity inform who you are as an educator?
  • What are the relevant similarities and differences in your lived experiences and those of your students?
  • What are the historical, contextual, and personal factors that help explain this?
  • Are you doing everything you can to move your students closer to opportunity?

Self-Management

  • What is the connection between your sense of wellbeing and the educational experience you provide your students?
  • How do you best support students who experience difficulties outside of the classroom? What about inside the classroom?
  • What are the best strategies for encouraging students to assert themselves in constructive ways?
  • How do you respond when you feel like students aren’t engaged in classroom activities?
  • How do your personal preferences/biases affect how you interact with your students?

Responsible Decision Making

  • What educational opportunities can you provide that help diverse learners realize their fullest potential?
  • How can you help students to become informed and engaged citizens?
  • Are there policies and practices in your school that undermine your students receiving the high-quality education they need and deserve?
  • In what ways can you address power relationships that discourage engagement in academic, social and emotional learning?
  • How can you create opportunities for the range of perspectives and talents in your classroom to be appreciated/leveraged to improve learning for all? 

Relationship Skills

  • To what degree should students have input on what and how they learn?
  • How do you make sure that students help support each other to grow and learn in positive ways?
  • Do you make every effort to get to know your students and their community?
  • Do you invite students to get to know you?
  • How do you ensure that you create an inclusive, safe learning environment for all of your students? 

Social Awareness

  • What does it mean to provide a great education for underserved students?
  • What types of discrimination are experienced in the US? What types of disadvantage are experienced by your students?
  • What are the social dynamics among students from different backgrounds in your classes?
  • Do you see differences as deficits or assets to be leveraged?
  • How can what and how you teach better position your students to address their concerns and interests?