{"id":82115,"date":"2026-03-11T16:45:50","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T21:45:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/casel.org\/?post_type=blogposts&#038;p=82115"},"modified":"2026-03-11T16:59:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T21:59:37","slug":"looking-back-on-national-sel-week-2026-skills-for-community-skills-for-career","status":"publish","type":"blogposts","link":"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/looking-back-on-national-sel-week-2026-skills-for-community-skills-for-career\/","title":{"rendered":"Looking Back on National SEL Week 2026: Skills for Community, Skills for Career"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>National SEL week<\/strong> is a \u201cSEL\u201debration of social and emotional learning in every community in the United States\u2014and this year was no different! From the kickoff on <a href=\"https:\/\/selday.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>International SEL Day<\/strong><\/a> (Monday, March 2) through events all week long, CASEL worked to spread the word about social and emotional learning, showcasing this year\u2019s theme, <strong>Skills for Community, Skills for Career.<\/strong> Here are some of the highlights of National SEL Week 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe title=\"CASEL Director of Policy Asher Miller kicks off National SEL Week from D.C.!\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/u6LVX1Oq5JI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"congressional-support-for-national-sel-week\"><strong>Congressional Support for National SEL Week<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Nine U.S. Senators co-sponsored <strong>a <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/senate-resolution\/624\/text?s=1&amp;r=3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>resolution introduced<\/strong><\/a><strong> by Senator Dick Durbin (IL) <\/strong>expressing support for the designation of National Social and Emotional Learning Week. We\u2019d like to thank Senator Durbin for his continued support of social and emotional learning. See his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/caselorg_selday-skillsforcommunity-skillsforcareer-activity-7434248777328402433-u7wC?utm_source=social_share_send&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop_web&amp;rcm=ACoAAAwXzh8BgpCaovnj7IhmXAn4VLg3rwb25j0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remarks on National SEL Week<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.durbin.senate.gov\/newsroom\/press-releases\/durbin-introduces-resolution-designating-national-social-and-emotional-learning-week\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">press release<\/a> for more information.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/1-1_Monday_resolution.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82125\" style=\"width:385px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/1-1_Monday_resolution.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/1-1_Monday_resolution-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/1-1_Monday_resolution-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/1-1_Monday_resolution-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, <strong>Hawaii<\/strong>, <strong>Illinois<\/strong>, <strong>New Jersey<\/strong>, <strong>New York<\/strong>, and <strong>Vermont <\/strong>released state proclamations or resolutions recognizing either International SEL Day as March 2, 2026, or&nbsp; March 2\u20136, 2026, as National SEL Week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/SEL-Day-proclamations.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82126\" style=\"width:534px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/SEL-Day-proclamations.png 680w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/SEL-Day-proclamations-640x452.png 640w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/SEL-Day-proclamations-300x212.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"taking-social-and-emotional-learning-to-capitol-hill\"><strong>Taking Social and Emotional Learning to Capitol Hill<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>National SEL Week began with a trip to the Hill, where CASEL staff <strong>visited the offices of<\/strong> <strong>25 senators and representatives <\/strong>to discuss the importance of social and emotional learning. We were overwhelmed by our reception and were grateful for the chance to share the good word about SEL and how it supports future success for students in their careers and communities as productive members of society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"675\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/2_9-16_Monday_photo-frames-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82128\" style=\"width:281px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/2_9-16_Monday_photo-frames-1.jpg 675w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/2_9-16_Monday_photo-frames-1-360x640.jpg 360w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/2_9-16_Monday_photo-frames-1-169x300.jpg 169w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"deep-dive-a-capitol-hill-briefing-on-sel-future-readiness\"><strong>Deep Dive: A Capitol Hill Briefing on SEL &amp; Future Readiness<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>We were also joined on the Hill by a panel of experts who spoke at our briefing on <strong>how social and emotional skills serve as a foundation for students\u2019 future readiness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/image-7.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82122\" style=\"width:425px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/image-7.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/image-7-640x640.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/image-7-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/image-7-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After an opening address and introduction from CASEL board member <strong>Melissa Johnston <\/strong>and Director of Policy <strong>Asher Miller <\/strong>(CASEL), we heard powerful reflections from panelists from <strong>Lillian Pace <\/strong>(Knowledgeworks), <strong>Dr. Rista Plate <\/strong>(CASEL), <strong>Tim Taylor <\/strong>(America Succeeds), and <strong>Chelle Travis <\/strong>(Skills USA).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their <a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/national-sel-week-2026-capitol-hill-briefing-sel-future-readiness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">thought-provoking discussion<\/a> highlighted how skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are consistently cited by employers as essential to success in today\u2019s economy, and that schools\u2014and SEL\u2014play a critical role in developing these competencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/image-8.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82123\" style=\"width:457px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/image-8.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/image-8-640x640.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/image-8-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/image-8-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/national-sel-week-2026-capitol-hill-briefing-sel-future-readiness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check out highlights from the panel.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"students-speak-up-for-sel\"><strong>Students Speak Up for SEL<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>During our visit to the Hill, we were thrilled to be joined by students and staff from <strong>Fairfax County\u2019s (Va.) Justice High School <\/strong>as well as leaders from their district office. As members of their school\u2019s Student SEL Advisory Committee, these young people were eloquent advocates for social and emotional learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/1-1_Tuesday_JHS-capitol-pics-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82127\" style=\"width:476px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/1-1_Tuesday_JHS-capitol-pics-1.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/1-1_Tuesday_JHS-capitol-pics-1-640x640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/1-1_Tuesday_JHS-capitol-pics-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/1-1_Tuesday_JHS-capitol-pics-1-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>They led the charge on three of our visits to congressional and senate offices and, along with their school leaders, described the importance of social and emotional learning both now and in the future.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe title=\"Hiwot M. for National SEL Week 2026\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wuKIza81pJ0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/national-sel-week-2026-students-speak-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hear more from the students of Justice High School.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The wise words from these students are a reminder how important social and emotional learning is to this next generation, to our communities, and to our country. Thank you for celebrating with us! <strong>We can\u2019t wait until next year!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Posts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/national-sel-week-2026-students-speak-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National SEL Week 2026: Students Speak Up!<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/national-sel-week-2026-capitol-hill-briefing-sel-future-readiness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National SEL Week 2026: A Capitol Hill Briefing on SEL &amp; Future Readiness<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/highlights-and-insights-from-the-2026-exchange\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Highlights and Insights From the 2026 Exchange<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"write-for-us\"><strong>Write for Us<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you interested in writing for CASEL\u2019s blog, <em>Constellations<\/em>? <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1zSZFveKA8xsmlCADpfDP8t-y9emN0qswHQh1MnfmqBI\/edit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more<\/a> about what we\u2019re looking for and how to pitch your idea!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>National SEL week is a \u201cSEL\u201debration of social and emotional learning in every community in the United States\u2014and this year was no different! From the kickoff on International SEL Day (Monday, March 2) through events all week long, CASEL worked to spread the word about social and emotional learning, showcasing this year\u2019s theme, Skills for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":82139,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","theme":[203],"class_list":["post-82115","blogposts","type-blogposts","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","theme-water-cooler"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogposts\/82115","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogposts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blogposts"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=82115"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/82139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=82115"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"theme","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/theme?post=82115"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}