Advancing Wellness & Social-Emotional Learning

The University of La Verne LaFetra College of Education continues to lead the charge in fostering educator wellness and student-centered learning through innovative professional development programs.

The college is currently partnered with Tilly’s Life Center to enhance social and emotional learning in schools. This collaboration is at the heart of the second annual Wellness,  Social & Emotional Learning Symposium, a day-long professional development event held this month.

“We created this symposium on social and emotional learning to address the critical and growing needs of our districts, empowering current and future educators to support well-being and success in a post-pandemic world,” said Shana Matamala, an assistant dean in the college and co-organizer of the event.

This year’s symposium welcomes 100 educators, many of whom are proud ULV alumni, to participate in a day of transformative sessions. The event aims to equip educators with the tools and strategies necessary to thrive in today’s classrooms.

ULV’s Professor of Inclusive Education Michael Vallejo, known as “Dr. Brightside” and host of the Mindset for Success podcast, will deliver the keynote address.

“Social and emotional learning is more than a teaching strategy; it’s a framework for building authentic connections in the classroom,” Vallejo shared. “When educators prioritize their well-being, they model resilience and empathy, fostering a thriving environment for themselves and their students.”

The symposium offers participants practical tools, reflective exercises, and actionable strategies to enhance their professional practice.

“This session completely changed the way I approach supporting my students, and I’ve already seen positive results in helping students become the best version of themselves,” shared a participant from last year’s symposium.

As the field of education continues to evolve, initiatives like these ensure that educators remain empowered, motivated, and prepared to create lasting positive impacts in their communities. While the event itself has reached capacity, its ripple effects are expected to extend far beyond the walls of the symposium, reinforcing LaFetra College’s role as a cornerstone of educational innovation and excellence.