Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an evidence-based approach to address the non-academic barriers that students face in order to achieve a set of positive goals. Research shows that 1 in 5 students will experience some type of mental health issue during their time in school. This certificate is designed to help teachers and prospective teachers learn how to create positive classroom environments and how to execute evidence-based, age-appropriate strategies to foster social, emotional, and behavioral wellness in PreK-12 students within a multi-tiered system of support.
Drexel’s online Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness certificate program is an endorsement program from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
The Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness certificate program further prepares professional educators to address non-academic barriers to learning. The program is intended for teachers and administrators who recognize the importance of supporting PreK-12 students who have experienced trauma and/or adverse childhood experiences. Graduates of the program will be able to distinguish themselves among their peers as having competencies with this growing population of students.
Individuals who complete a SEL certificate program might pursue one of the following career paths:
- Teachers
- Preschool teacher
- Educational Administrators
- Instructional Delivery: Online
- Calendar Type: Quarter
- Expected Time to Completion: 1 year
- Number of Credits to Completion: Students complete 4 classes (3 credits each) for a total of 12 credits. Students will also need to complete field experience hours each term.
Course descriptions may be found in the Drexel University Course Catalog.
Upon completion of the social emotional and behavioral wellness certificate, students will:
- Gain an understanding of social emotional disorders in children
- Learn research-based practices and assessments to support students suffering from trauma
- Complete a field placement experience and gain real-world work experience
- Learn how to collaborate with parents, students, and the school community to promote social emotional wellness
The social emotional and behavioral wellness certificate program is ideal for:
- Current K-12 teachers
- K-12 School Support staff (must have an instructional I or II teaching certificate)
- School counselors
- Principals
- School Administrators
- School District Superintendents
Teacher certification is not a requirement for admission to the certificate program. Students who have an active PA Instructional I or Instructional II teaching certificate are eligible to apply for the Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness of PK-12 Students endorsement through the Pennsylvania Department of Education upon completion of the program.
Drexel’s Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness certificate program is offered entirely online. Students can get started by filling out the Drexel University Online application.