The field of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has witnessed remarkable growth over the last two decades, establishing itself as a cornerstone of modern education. School districts are increasingly prioritizing SEL, restructuring their administrations to implement comprehensive SEL programs from preschool through high school. This surge in focus has not only elevated SEL as a strategic imperative but also propelled it into a recognized and expanding professional domain. Educational institutions are understanding the critical need to cultivate supportive environments that dedicate time and resources to SEL initiatives. Many are formalizing this commitment by creating dedicated full-time positions at the central office level, and some are even developing entire departments or divisions specifically for social-emotional learning.
Responding to the unique challenges students faced during the pandemic and periods of remote learning, the 2022-23 academic year saw a significant increase in districts hiring for new SEL roles. As districts consider making their initial or subsequent SEL appointments, several key decisions arise concerning compensation, reporting structures, and optimal timing. However, the foundational step is to clearly define the job roles required, the associated responsibilities, and the essential skill sets sought in prospective candidates. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Social Emotional Learning Jobs that are in demand in 2023, offering insights for districts looking to build robust SEL teams and for individuals seeking to advance their careers in this vital field.
The specific hiring needs of each district will vary depending on their current stage of SEL implementation. This article aims to provide valuable insights into the most prevalent SEL job titles, roles, and responsibilities currently being established across educational districts.
Download 7 pre-written SEL job descriptions to simplify your hiring process.
Exploring Key Social Emotional Learning Jobs for 2023:
| 1. Director of Social-Emotional Learning / Executive Director of Social-Emotional Learning | 2. SEL Specialist / SEL Coordinator | 3. SEL Interventionist | 4. SEL Coach | 5. SEL Teacher | 6. SEL Data Strategist | 7. SEL Instructional Specialist |
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1. Director of Social-Emotional Learning / Executive Director of Social-Emotional Learning
The Director of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) stands as the leading figure in a school district’s commitment to SEL initiatives. Often referred to as the “Executive Director of SEL,” “Assistant Superintendent of SEL,” or “Director of Social-Emotional and Mental Health Services,” this role provides crucial leadership and strategic direction. The primary focus is to ensure that all students cultivate the essential social and emotional skills necessary for success, both academically and in life beyond the classroom. The Director is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and continuous evaluation of a comprehensive SEL approach, guaranteeing that all programs are in alignment with the overarching priorities of the district.
A growing expectation for Directors of SEL is their ability to forge strong partnerships with academic directors and other members of the leadership team. This collaboration is vital for creating an integrated approach that seamlessly weaves SEL into the fabric of academics. The aim is to move beyond SEL as a standalone initiative and embed it deeply within classroom environments and after-school programs, making it an intrinsic part of the educational experience.
The specific responsibilities of an SEL Director will be shaped by the size and unique context of the district, as well as the district’s progression in its SEL journey. However, core responsibilities generally encompass:
- Strategic Oversight of SEL Practices and Interventions: Directing all SEL practices and interventions designed to support the holistic development of students.
- Leadership in Educational Equity: Providing leadership, strategic planning, coordination, and effective management to build an infrastructure that fosters the conditions necessary for educational equity and inclusive practices.
- Adult SEL and Professional Learning: Supervising and guiding ongoing adult SEL programs and professional learning opportunities tailored for both school and district staff, recognizing that educator well-being and competence are foundational to successful student SEL.
- Curriculum and Program Assessment: Critically assessing SEL curricula and programs and employing SEL assessment tools, such as Panorama Education, to rigorously measure their effectiveness and impact on student outcomes.
- Impact Evaluation of Systems and Structures: Evaluating the influence of existing systems and organizational structures on student achievement, social-emotional well-being, and overall school climate to identify areas for improvement and alignment.
- Budget and Resource Management: Managing an operational budget effectively, making informed decisions on resource allocation to ensure optimal support for SEL initiatives across the district.
- Community and Stakeholder Partnerships: Cultivating and maintaining strong partnerships with community stakeholders, families, and external organizations to build a collaborative network of support for SEL and related initiatives.
2. SEL Specialist or SEL Coordinator
The SEL Specialist or Coordinator operates under the guidance of the Director of Social-Emotional Learning, playing a crucial role in supporting the practical execution of the district’s SEL vision. This role is pivotal in the creation, adaptation, and implementation of SEL initiatives within individual schools. SEL Specialists provide essential technical assistance and share best practices with both district and school-level staff, focusing on strategies to promote students’ social-emotional development and overall well-being.
Exceptional interpersonal skills are paramount for success in this role. SEL Specialists frequently collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including school administrators, principals, counselors, teachers, parents, and community partners. This collaborative approach is essential for effectively coordinating and allocating resources that directly address the varied needs of students and contribute to building a positive and nurturing school climate.
Proficiency in data collection and analysis is another highly valued skill set for SEL Specialists. They should be adept at utilizing data to inform strategic decisions, such as determining which initiatives to prioritize, identifying specific SEL skills that require focused attention among the student population, and rigorously evaluating the effectiveness of particular curricula, programs, or interventions. This data-driven approach ensures that SEL efforts are targeted, responsive, and continuously improving.
3. SEL Interventionist
For districts that have adopted a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, integrating SEL into MTSS is a strategic approach to guarantee that every student receives the comprehensive support services they require. The SEL Interventionist plays a vital role in bridging the connection between SEL and MTSS.
This position is responsible for developing and implementing SEL supports at the foundational, Tier 1 level, which is designed to benefit all students within the school environment. Furthermore, SEL Interventionists are crucial in delivering, or assisting classroom teachers in delivering, targeted Tier 2 and intensive Tier 3 interventions. These higher tiers of support are specifically designed for students who require more individualized and intensive SEL support to address specific needs or challenges.
In many districts, the responsibilities of SEL Interventionists extend to encompass monitoring student progress through data analysis, contributing to the professional development of staff on SEL best practices, and acting as a liaison between schools, families, and community organizations. This multifaceted role ensures a cohesive and comprehensive approach to student support.
Johnston County Public Schools (NC) serves as a compelling example of the impact of this role. By hiring two SEL interventionists, the district significantly scaled and enhanced the reach and effectiveness of their SEL initiatives. Details of the exact job posting used by JCPS are available for download in this SEL job descriptions packet.
4. SEL Coach
SEL Coaches are central figures in facilitating the effective implementation of SEL approaches within schools, ensuring alignment with the district’s overarching SEL strategic plan. These coaches are instrumental in delivering direct professional development to school leaders, teachers, and support staff. This training focuses on the practical application of specific social-emotional learning curricula and the integration of SEL best practices into daily interactions with students. A primary goal of the SEL Coach is to ensure that SEL is not treated as a separate entity but is seamlessly woven into classroom instruction and the everyday practices of educators.
The responsibilities of an SEL Coach are diverse and may include, but are not limited to:
- Designing and Leading Professional Learning: Creating and leading engaging professional learning opportunities for educators, focusing on practical SEL strategies and implementation techniques.
- Integrating SEL into School Structures: Collaborating closely with school leadership teams to strategically embed SEL into school schedules, daily routines, and various school activities, ensuring it becomes a consistent part of the school environment.
- Providing Individualized Coaching to Teachers: Delivering tailored, one-on-one coaching to teachers, offering personalized support, feedback, and guidance to enhance their SEL implementation skills in the classroom.
- Modeling and Coaching Lesson Delivery: Demonstrating and coaching teachers in the effective delivery of SEL lessons within the classroom setting. This can involve various coaching models, including 1:1 coaching, peer coaching, and collaborative co-teaching, to cater to different learning styles and preferences.
5. SEL Teacher
The SEL Teacher assumes a student-facing role with a strong focus on classroom management and direct student support. These educators primarily work with students who have been identified as having social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs. They also provide targeted support to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and students from diverse backgrounds, recognizing the unique social-emotional considerations within these populations.
The fundamental role of an SEL Teacher is to explicitly instruct students in academic and social-emotional learning through evidence-based strategies. These methods may include restorative practices, which focus on repairing harm and building relationships, and social-emotional learning circles, which create a safe space for students to share, listen, and learn together. Typically working in small group settings, SEL teachers facilitate opportunities for students to learn, actively practice, and demonstrate social-emotional skills in a supportive environment. As needed, SEL teachers also engage in collaborative meetings with special education and general education teachers, school administrators, parents, social workers, and social services representatives. These meetings are crucial for discussing individual student needs and collaboratively developing effective intervention plans to support each student’s unique social-emotional journey.
6. SEL Data Strategist
The SEL Data Strategist represents a relatively emergent role in the field of education. Districts that are committed to a data-driven approach to whole child education are increasingly recognizing the need for this specialized position. The creation of SEL Data Strategist roles is often driven by the desire to overcome the data silos that can hinder a comprehensive understanding of student needs and progress.
The SEL Data Strategist operates primarily in an internal-facing, analytics-driven capacity. These professionals are responsible for planning and leading a district’s comprehensive data collection, rigorous analysis, and insightful reporting systems specifically related to ongoing social-emotional learning programs and services. The overarching goal of this role is to leverage data to drive continuous improvement in SEL initiatives across the district. SEL Data Strategists typically report directly to the Director of SEL and maintain a close working relationship with the district’s research and evaluation teams, ensuring that data informs strategic decision-making and program refinement.
7. SEL Instructional Specialist
Recent research within the field of social-emotional learning has increasingly highlighted the critical importance of adult SEL. This growing body of evidence has led districts to make significant investments in fostering the social and emotional competence of their adult staff, recognizing that promoting positive social and emotional development in students begins with building the capacity of the adults who serve them.
SEL Instructional Specialists mirror the function of academic instructional coaches but specialize in the domain of adult SEL. These individuals are key personnel in executing the district’s overarching vision for SEL. They guide the effective implementation of Tier 1 SEL strategies, with a strong focus on enhancing the quality of SEL instruction, promoting adult SEL competencies, and cultivating safe and supportive learning environments throughout the school community. In many districts, the scope of work for an SEL instructional specialist includes disseminating best practices and providing access to research-backed resources, particularly in areas such as trauma-informed SEL, to ensure staff are well-equipped to address the diverse needs of students.
During the rapid shift to hybrid and remote learning models necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, SEL instructional specialists played a crucial role in coaching educators and staff on adapting SEL practices to virtual environments. This included guidance on:
- Virtual SEL Lesson Delivery: Effective methods for delivering SEL lessons and curricula in virtual settings, ensuring student engagement and learning continuity.
- Building Online Belonging and Engagement: Strategies to foster a strong sense of belonging and actively engage students in online learning environments, counteracting the potential for isolation in remote settings.
- Improving Distance Learning Climate: Practical approaches to enhance the overall school and classroom climate within distance learning environments, creating positive and supportive online communities.
Additional Positions to Strengthen Your SEL Team:
| – School Counselors and Psychologists | – Youth Social-Emotional Development Consultant | – Family and Community Engagement Coordinator |
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School Counselors and Student Support Professionals
Student support professionals, including school counselors, psychologists, and social workers, are indispensable in nurturing students’ social and emotional growth. While classroom teachers play a role in SEL, student support professionals are critical for the comprehensive implementation of SEL initiatives. Their contributions include enhancing SEL understanding among adult staff, implementing tiered interventions for students with specific needs, and providing essential trauma-sensitive training for all staff members, among their many other core responsibilities.
Youth Social-Emotional Development Consultant
For districts that collaborate with out-of-school-time (OST) programs, hiring a Youth Social-Emotional Development Consultant can significantly amplify the impact of these partnerships. These consultants ensure that OST and after-school programming is intentionally aligned with the district’s core principles of social-emotional learning, fostering positive youth development in a consistent and integrated manner across all learning environments.
Family and Community Engagement Coordinator
Families are fundamental in supporting their children’s social-emotional learning journey. Family and Community Engagement Coordinators are essential for establishing effective two-way communication channels between schools and families. They curate valuable resources to share with family members, build the capacity of teachers and school staff to authentically engage with families, and create meaningful opportunities for parents and caregivers to actively participate in the selection and implementation of SEL programming. This collaborative approach recognizes the vital role of families as partners in student SEL.
