Page 4 - In Focus Newsletter_March 2019

The Social-Emotional Learning Needs of

Educational Leaders

Educational leaders must set the tone for
positive school cultures that nurture the
social-emotional learning of children. This is
hard to reconcile with the expectation that
district leaders should maintain resolute
stoicism in the most complex and emotional
situations. If educators are to meaningfully
support the social-emotional development
of students, it stands to reason that leaders
can no longer afford to treat their own

emotional well-being as an afterthought.
A free solution to support and professional development for practicing superintendents, CASDA's
Virtual Superintendent Collaborative recently featured a podcast focused on the social-
emotional learning needs of educational leaders. In the episode, CASDA Executive Director Michael
Piccirillo reflected on a period during his career where personal loss and professional

responsibility took a toll on his social-emotional well-being.

While aimed at educational leaders, this podcast serves as a reminder to all professionals working
in education that while your days are filled with stress and seemingly no-win situations, we need to
pay attention to our own social-emotional health and the potential impact it can have on the
overall climate and culture of our schools and student achievement.

CASDA In Your District

CASDA facilitated professional
development sessions in many of
our member districts this month as
part of their conference day
offerings. Thank you to Albany
Diocese, Chatham, East Greenbush,
Hoosic Valley and New Lebanon for

asking us to present on topics
ranging from Hope Theory and
restorative practices to differentiated
instruction and technology to
support struggling students.

CASDA is always available to help with your district's professional development needs. Contact

CASDA Executive Director Michael Piccirillo at 518.512.5198 x6222 or email at
mpiccirillo@casdany.org to learn more.