In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing my friend and colleague, Dr. Ed Dunkelblau, who is the International Coordinator for the Academy for SEL in schools to discuss social & emotional learning. I was, of course, previously aware of EQ, or emotional quotient, but wasn't up-to-date with SEL and Ed brought the receipts. We talked about what SEL is, the skills that comprise it and the benefits of implementing it in schools. Ed had a great response to the question, "When should we be teaching kids SEL skills in school?" and he said, "When their parents are in kindergarten." The benefits of SEL are astounding and everything educators and parents would want. In addition, research shows greater SEL skills lead to better academic grades. It's not an extra, fluffy thing; SEL actually is something that enhances learning. Ed also shared the choice he made to get involved with aath.org as a significantly positive choice he made. He found his home at the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. To reach him for more information, email ed@teacheq.com. If you are interested in certification in SEL, there are two online certification course series at Rutgers University that lead to certification. There are two strands, one for educators to learn SEL in the classroom and the other for administrators to apply SEL in their school setting. You will find both programs here.