Teachers' perceptions of SEL evidence-based implementation in schools

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a way to understand human well-being through developing a healthy identity, managing emotions, building healthy relationships, and making responsible decisions. As a focus in schools, SEL can help students increase their social-emotional skills. Research has identified that there are multiple factors that contribute to effective implementation of SEL evidence-based programming in schools. The purpose of this study is to understand teachers' perceptions of SEL programming implementation in schools. Data collection involved interviews with four elementary K-7 educators in a large district in British Columbia, Canada. Data was examined using qualitative theme analysis. Findings were consistent with previous literature indicating that teachers perceive evidence-based SEL program implementation as important. Participants indicated that schools with supportive leaders and collaborative school cultures created environments suitable for implementing SEL. Suggestions for further study and practice are discussed.