Exploring Both Sides: Dedicated SEL Teachers vs. Integrated SEL in Classroom Time

In classrooms across the country, the discussion surrounding social emotional learning (SEL) often centers on how it should be delivered within schools. One commonly heard debate is: Should there be dedicated teachers for SEL initiatives or should all teachers integrate SEL into their classrooms?

Both approaches have their merits and challenges, and understanding these can shed light on the best path forward for nurturing students' social and emotional development while wholly supporting teachers.

Having staff dedicated solely to SEL offers advantages: the allocation of time, focused attention, and specialized training.

These teachers bring a deep understanding of social and emotional needs, allowing them to design comprehensive programs tailored to different age groups and developmental stages, while staying relevant to the school’s climate. 

A recent online forum directed at teachers posed the question: “What are your thoughts on social-emotional learning?” One responder said, “Teachers have more than enough on their plates and I think most of the teacher complaints about SEL come from another responsibility thrown at them. There should be a separate teacher for SEL.” Dedicated SEL teachers can provide support and resources to classroom teachers, helping them integrate SEL principles into their teaching practices more effectively—alleviating the stress of an already jam-packed schedule.

Along with training and time, consistency can be another obstacle for classroom teachers to overcome. With a dedicated SEL teacher, there's often greater consistency and continuity in delivering SEL curriculum across different classrooms and grade levels. This consistency can lead to more effective skill development and reinforcement over time.

On the other side of the argument, proponents of integrated SEL in classroom time highlight the benefits of a holistic learning environment and teacher empowerment. Integrating SEL into regular classroom or program activities creates natural opportunities for students to apply social and emotional skills in real-life situations, emphasizing the meaningful and relevant development of these skills in everyday interactions and learning experiences.

Another responder on the same online forum mentioned, “I work at a PK-6th grade school and we have a huge focus on SEL. We don’t teach lessons on it, it’s just incorporated into everything we do.”

When all teachers are empowered to deliver SEL, it becomes a core part of the educational experience rather than an isolated component, potentially leading to broader and more sustained impact.

Finding the ideal approach often involves striking a balance between dedicated and integrated SEL practices. The common response from many teachers across the nation is “I want to be more SEL-focused in my room but don’t feel supported enough.”

Schools can offer comprehensive SEL training, professional development opportunities, and support for all teachers, empowering them to integrate SEL into their teaching effectively. 

While there is research supporting the effectiveness of both integrated SEL in daily classroom activities and dedicated SEL teachers teaching a structured curriculum, the success of either approach depends on various factors. Schools should consider their unique context, resources, teacher training, student needs, and desired outcomes when making decisions about implementing SEL initiatives. 

Combining elements of both approaches may also offer a comprehensive and balanced approach to promoting students' social emotional development. Flexible models that allow schools to choose the mix of dedicated and integrated SEL approaches based on their unique needs and resources can also contribute to a more nuanced and effective implementation of SEL initiatives.

Regardless of your side, the goal remains the same: to create and nurture a learning environment where kids feel safe, connected, and encouraged to be the best version of themselves and to support the educators tasked to teach them. Whether through dedicated SEL teachers or integrated practices, the focus should be on equipping educators with the tools they need to effectively model these essential skills in everyday interactions of a classroom environment. 

For over 27 years, we've helped integrate positive youth development into SEL programs, collaborating with districts, schools, and youth-serving organizations. To find out how WINGS can help you, take a look at our solutions.