I would say the main challenge I face at this grade (9th) is the range of maturities. Many are just learning to cope with new feelings, and they use humor, insults, or stoicism as an armor against them. The next is finding a well-timed moment to incorporate it into the curriculm. This is less a challenge than an opportunity for creativity, inviting students to dive even deeper into the humans creating the literature we read.

Our school encourages student-driven activities and engagement where students get to share their thoughts and feelings about the school. We also have clubs and groups designed to address student mental health and stress levels. The school also has weekly opportunities for the teachers to meet, discuss, and collaborate with each other responding to the school, students, the district, etc.

SEL is Social-emotional learning, a set of soft skills that helps an individual navigate their relationships with people around them and within society.