Michelle Trujillo: Building Hope with Social and Emotional Learning in Schools
For me, probably the moments where I have truly experienced inner peace I've been most connected in my relationship with god or in my calling out to god.
Imagine a school where students feel truly connected, understood, and inspired. In this episode of 'A Quest for Well-Being', Valeria Teles sits down with Michelle Trujillo, an educational consultant and former high school principal, to discuss the transformative power of social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools. Michelle, affectionately known as 'Mrs. T' by her students, shares insights from her book 'Start With the Heart: Igniting Hope in Schools Through Social and Emotional Learning'.
She explains how SEL isn't just a curriculum but a way of being that fosters positive school culture and meaningful connections among students and educators alike. Michelle's passion for SEL shines through as she talks about the five core competencies that can be integrated into schools to create an environment where everyone feels valued and effective. She emphasizes the importance of educators being self-aware and building genuine relationships with their students.
By focusing on trust, connection, and inclusivity, schools can become places where students are not only academically successful but also emotionally resilient. The conversation also touches on heavier topics like trauma and adversity, highlighting how SEL can help students navigate these challenges. Michelle offers practical tools and strategies for educators to bring SEL into their classrooms, making it an integral part of their teaching philosophy.
As the discussion wraps up, Michelle reflects on the roles of faith and love in education, leaving listeners with a sense of hope and inspiration. Whether you're an educator looking for new approaches or someone interested in holistic education, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartfelt stories. Tune in to learn how you can help ignite hope and inspire the next generation.