{"id":59284,"date":"2025-05-06T14:58:22","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T18:58:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/starr1.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=59284"},"modified":"2025-05-08T08:45:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T12:45:00","slug":"courageous-choices-in-the-classroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starr.org\/2025\/courageous-choices-in-the-classroom\/","title":{"rendered":"Courageous Choices in the Classroom: Prioritizing SEL to Fuel Student Growth (and Keep You Inspired)\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_fe642f-14, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_fe642f-14[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_fe642f-14\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_fe642f-14 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_fe642f-14[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_fe642f-14\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_fe642f-14 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_fe642f-14[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_fe642f-14\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59284_fe642f-14 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_fe642f-14\"><em>Dear Teachers\u2014yes, you, the superhero with the coffee-stained lanyard and 37 tabs open in your brain\u2014we see you. And this one\u2019s for you.<\/em>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>Let\u2019s be real: teaching today isn\u2019t for the faint of heart. You\u2019re asked to be a mentor, counselor, parent, content expert, tech whiz, classroom manager, emotional barometer, snack distributor, and walking encyclopedia\u2014all before lunch. And yet, here you are, still showing up, still giving your all. Why?&nbsp;Because you remember your \u201cwhy.\u201d&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>You didn\u2019t step into this work just to cover standards\u2014you came to change lives. To spark curiosity. To be the one who <em>sees<\/em> the student who thinks they\u2019re invisible. And during Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to say this loud and clear:&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br><strong>We appreciate you. We honor you. We\u2019re here to support you.<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>At Starr Commonwealth, we believe that at the heart of every strong classroom is a relationship\u2014and at the root of every learning breakthrough is emotional safety. That\u2019s why we\u2019re passionate about helping you prioritize <strong>social-emotional learning (SEL)<\/strong> from a <strong>trauma-responsive lens<\/strong> that fuels resilience in every student.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id59284_e9fd61-31 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id59284_e9fd61-31 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id59284_e9fd61-31 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 2fr) minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id59284_e9fd61-31 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id59284_e9fd61-31 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 2fr) minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id59284_e9fd61-31 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id59284_e9fd61-31 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-left-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column59284_c5097d-cc\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_17db47-6d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_17db47-6d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_17db47-6d\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_17db47-6d mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_17db47-6d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_17db47-6d\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_17db47-6d img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_17db47-6d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_17db47-6d\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading59284_17db47-6d wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_17db47-6d\">Why SEL Matters Now More Than Ever<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_4fa3d5-c6, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_4fa3d5-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_4fa3d5-c6\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_4fa3d5-c6 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_4fa3d5-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_4fa3d5-c6\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_4fa3d5-c6 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_4fa3d5-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_4fa3d5-c6\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59284_4fa3d5-c6 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_4fa3d5-c6\">Think of your classroom as a garden. You can scatter all the academic seeds you want\u2014but if the soil isn&#8217;t healthy, the learning won&#8217;t grow. SEL is that fertile ground. When kids feel safe, connected, and seen, their brains <em>literally<\/em> open up to learning.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_773d7e-0c, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_773d7e-0c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_773d7e-0c\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_773d7e-0c mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_773d7e-0c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_773d7e-0c\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_773d7e-0c img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_773d7e-0c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_773d7e-0c\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59284_773d7e-0c wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_773d7e-0c\">As Dr. Bruce Perry and other trauma experts have taught us, children&#8217;s brains aren&#8217;t wired to learn when they&#8217;re stuck in survival mode. So before we pile on fractions or figurative language, we must ensure we&#8217;re addressing their most basic needs first\u2014just like <a href=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/2024\/school-readiness-and-success\/?srsltid=AfmBOorWyg2CUrs09K8_LtTjm4o7l1cTJO9S7xVjjKc4dLt5H0Y0zXXD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Maslow before Bloom<\/strong><\/a>, and the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/circle-of-courage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Circle of Courage<\/a> before curriculum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column59284_d5e83f-1b\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image59284_03a552-7d .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image59284_03a552-7d size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/MaslowsHierarchy-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-59292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/MaslowsHierarchy-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/MaslowsHierarchy-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/MaslowsHierarchy-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/MaslowsHierarchy-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/MaslowsHierarchy-75x75.jpg 75w, https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/MaslowsHierarchy-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/MaslowsHierarchy-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/MaslowsHierarchy-64x64.jpg 64w, https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/MaslowsHierarchy.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_09565e-bf, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_09565e-bf[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_09565e-bf\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_09565e-bf mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_09565e-bf[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_09565e-bf\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_09565e-bf img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_09565e-bf[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_09565e-bf\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading59284_09565e-bf wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_09565e-bf\">4 Courageous SEL Choices You Can Make (Even On the Tough Days)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Inspired by the <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/courageous-choices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Courageous Choices<\/a><\/em><\/strong> framework, here are four practical, teacher-tested strategies that put resilience and SEL front and center\u2014without adding 10 more things to your to-do list.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Choose Connection Over Compliance<\/strong><br>Before correcting a behavior, ask: What is this child trying to communicate?&nbsp;<br><br>\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f <strong>Try this:<\/strong> Greet each student by name every day. Post a &#8220;mood meter&#8221; check-in at your door. Use a quick &#8220;2&#215;10 strategy&#8221;\u2014two minutes of conversation for 10 days straight with a student who needs connection most.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Choose Safety Over Shame<br><\/strong>Mistakes happen (yes, even on your 3rd cup of coffee). Help students learn that it&#8217;s safe to stumble here\u2014and that repair is always possible.<br><br>\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f <strong>Try this:<\/strong> When correcting behavior, stick to &#8220;what&#8221; and &#8220;why,&#8221; not &#8220;who.&#8221; Use restorative questions like: Who was impacted? What needs to be made right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Choose Regulation Over Reaction<\/strong><br>Their behavior may be loud, but the root cause is often silent. Dysregulated kids aren&#8217;t &#8220;bad&#8221;\u2014they&#8217;re overwhelmed.<br><br>\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f <strong>Try this:<\/strong> Create a calm-down space in your room. Teach and model co-regulation\u2014deep breaths, grounding techniques, even brain breaks with a touch of humor (&#8220;Dance like your WiFi just came back!&#8221;).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Choose Strength Over Struggle<\/strong><br>Every student (yes, even that one) has brilliance inside them. Sometimes, you have to dig a little.<br><br>\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f<strong> Try this:<\/strong> Give students meaningful classroom jobs that build belonging. Celebrate small wins. Use language like &#8220;I noticed\u2026&#8221; or &#8220;You showed courage when\u2026&#8221; to spotlight their resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_a26864-14, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_a26864-14[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_a26864-14\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_a26864-14 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_a26864-14[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_a26864-14\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_a26864-14 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_a26864-14[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_a26864-14\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading59284_a26864-14 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_a26864-14\">Take Care of You, Too\u2014Because You Can&#8217;t Pour From an Empty Coffee Mug<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Educators often feel like the last on the list. But your well-being isn&#8217;t a luxury\u2014it&#8217;s essential.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_2d7cbb-5b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_2d7cbb-5b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_2d7cbb-5b\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_2d7cbb-5b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_2d7cbb-5b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_2d7cbb-5b\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_2d7cbb-5b img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_2d7cbb-5b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_2d7cbb-5b\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59284_2d7cbb-5b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_2d7cbb-5b\">\u2764\ufe0f Pro tip: Build your own SEL routine. Take 3 deep breaths before the bell. Keep a gratitude jar. Vent to a trusted colleague. Say no when you need to. You&#8217;re human, too\u2014and that&#8217;s your greatest teaching superpower.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_09ce8c-e8, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_09ce8c-e8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_09ce8c-e8\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_09ce8c-e8 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_09ce8c-e8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_09ce8c-e8\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_09ce8c-e8 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_09ce8c-e8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_09ce8c-e8\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading59284_09ce8c-e8 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_09ce8c-e8\">A Final Note of Appreciation<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_d46f18-06, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_d46f18-06[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_d46f18-06\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_d46f18-06 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_d46f18-06[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_d46f18-06\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_d46f18-06 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_d46f18-06[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_d46f18-06\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59284_d46f18-06 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_d46f18-06\">Teaching is a courageous choice. Every day you choose to show up, even when it&#8217;s hard. You choose to believe in kids who don&#8217;t yet believe in themselves. You choose to plant seeds you may never get to see bloom.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_cd8c9d-93, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_cd8c9d-93[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_cd8c9d-93\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_cd8c9d-93 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_cd8c9d-93[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_cd8c9d-93\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_cd8c9d-93 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_cd8c9d-93[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_cd8c9d-93\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59284_cd8c9d-93 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_cd8c9d-93\">But we see you. And we&#8217;re grateful beyond words.&nbsp;From all of us at Starr Commonwealth: <em>Thank you for your heart, your hustle, and your unwavering hope<\/em>. May this Teacher Appreciation Week remind you that your work\u2014and your <em>why<\/em>\u2014matters more than ever.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_45bbe4-c0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_45bbe4-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_45bbe4-c0\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_45bbe4-c0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_45bbe4-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_45bbe4-c0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_45bbe4-c0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_45bbe4-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_45bbe4-c0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59284_45bbe4-c0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_45bbe4-c0\"><strong>Want more support for building SEL and resilience in your classroom?<br><\/strong>Check out our<em> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/store.starr.org\/product\/courageous-choices-packages\/\">Coura<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/store.starr.org\/product\/courageous-choices-packages\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">geous Choices<\/a><\/strong><\/em> tools and resources\u2014created with you in mind. And, in celebration of\u00a0<strong>Teacher Appreciation Week<\/strong>, we&#8217;re saying\u00a0<em>thank you<\/em>\u00a0with a special gift!<br><br>When you purchase any\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/store.starr.org\/product\/courageous-choices-packages\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>Courageous Choices<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0package\u00a0between now and May 31,\u00a0you\u2019ll receive a\u00a0<strong>FREE tote bag<\/strong>\u00a0with your order\u2014a small token of our appreciation for the big work you do.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image59284_4a33ad-e2 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image59284_4a33ad-e2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.starr.org\/product\/courageous-choices-packages\/\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"851\" height=\"278\" src=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Courageous-Choices-long-2-e1746556266580.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-59300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Courageous-Choices-long-2-e1746556266580.png 851w, https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Courageous-Choices-long-2-e1746556266580-300x98.png 300w, https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Courageous-Choices-long-2-e1746556266580-768x251.png 768w, https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Courageous-Choices-long-2-e1746556266580-600x196.png 600w, https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Courageous-Choices-long-2-e1746556266580-64x21.png 64w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 851px) 100vw, 851px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_db9c44-b3, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_db9c44-b3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_db9c44-b3\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_db9c44-b3 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_db9c44-b3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_db9c44-b3\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_db9c44-b3 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_db9c44-b3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_db9c44-b3\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59284_db9c44-b3 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_db9c44-b3\"><br><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_ef8923-e9, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_ef8923-e9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_ef8923-e9\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_ef8923-e9 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_ef8923-e9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_ef8923-e9\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_ef8923-e9 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59284_ef8923-e9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_ef8923-e9\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59284_ef8923-e9 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59284_ef8923-e9\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear Teachers\u2014yes, you, the superhero with the coffee-stained lanyard and 37 tabs open in your brain\u2014we see you. And this one\u2019s for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;Let\u2019s be real: teaching today isn\u2019t for the faint of heart. You\u2019re asked to be a mentor, counselor, parent, content expert, tech whiz, classroom manager, emotional barometer, snack distributor, and walking encyclopedia\u2014all before [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36233,"featured_media":59303,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[493,473,546],"coauthors":[478],"class_list":["post-59284","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","tag-belonging","tag-circle-of-courage","tag-courageous-choices"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.9 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Courageous Choices in the Classroom: Prioritizing SEL to Fuel Student Growth (and Keep You Inspired)\u00a0 - Starr Commonwealth<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Research from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) shows that SEL improves social and emotional skills, boosts academic performance, reduces behavior issues, and fosters a positive school climate.By embracing SEL, we can turn schools into havens of growth and resilience, offering every child the chance to thrive.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/2025\/courageous-choices-in-the-classroom\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Courageous Choices in the Classroom: Prioritizing SEL to Fuel Student Growth (and Keep You Inspired)\u00a0 - Starr Commonwealth\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Research from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) shows that SEL improves social and emotional skills, boosts academic performance, reduces behavior issues, and fosters a positive school climate.By embracing SEL, we can turn schools into havens of growth and resilience, offering every child the chance to thrive.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/2025\/courageous-choices-in-the-classroom\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Starr Commonwealth\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Starr1913\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-05-06T18:58:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-08T12:45:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Young-teacher-cheering-and-calming-upset-girl-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Erica Ilcyn\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@StarrCommon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@StarrCommon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Erica Ilcyn\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/starr.org\/2025\/courageous-choices-in-the-classroom\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/starr.org\/2025\/courageous-choices-in-the-classroom\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Erica Ilcyn\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/starr.org\/#\/schema\/person\/9c9d50e0362c2e1fb0d536206419718d\"},\"headline\":\"Courageous Choices in the Classroom: Prioritizing SEL to Fuel Student Growth (and Keep You Inspired)\u00a0\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-05-06T18:58:22+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-08T12:45:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/starr.org\/2025\/courageous-choices-in-the-classroom\/\"},\"wordCount\":820,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/starr.org\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/starr.org\/2025\/courageous-choices-in-the-classroom\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/starr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Young-teacher-cheering-and-calming-upset-girl-scaled.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Belonging\",\"Circle of Courage\",\"Courageous Choices\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Articles\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/starr.org\/2025\/courageous-choices-in-the-classroom\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/starr.org\/2025\/courageous-choices-in-the-classroom\/\",\"name\":\"Courageous Choices in the Classroom: Prioritizing SEL to Fuel Student Growth (and Keep You Inspired)\u00a0 - 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