Unlocking SEL

""Every school leader would benefit from reading Unlocking SEL! This book offers a road map for creating a community of wellness and care that is an essential foundation for a well-rounded education. This book brilliantly establishes the importance of adults internalizing mindfulness as the base structure for creating a school community of care and emotional regulation for adults and students."" -Mary Pearson School Principal; Portland Public ""What a lovely journey this book takes the reader on! Lana's relatable stories and insightful reflections captivate the reader from the very beginning. I would love to use this book as a tool to open the school year with my staff. It helps me to be a more empathetic, thoughtful leader. It also allows me to care for myself and maintain my SEL to model healthy behavior for my team!"" -Mary Melvin Regional Director; LAUS ""Unlocking SEL by Lana Penley offers a comprehensive, practical approach to integrating social emotional learning into the classroom. With clear strategies, real-world examples, and actionable insights, Penley helps educators support students' emotional and social development. This book is an invaluable resource for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment."" -Kim Cain Principal; Glen Dale, WV ""One of the standout features of the book is its recognition of how trauma can impact behavior, offering thoughtful insights within an SEL framework. By equipping educators with tools to create safe and supportive environments, Unlocking SEL helps mitigate student dysregulation and address behavioral challenges effectively. For anyone interested in creating emotionally intelligent classrooms, this book is a must-read. Lana Penley guides readers through practical steps to transform classrooms and schools into nurturing environments where both children and adults can thrive and learn together."" -Kristie Lindholm Executive Director of Schools and Learning; Vancouver School District ""Unlocking SEL is exactly what is needed today in education. It is a must-read for both teachers and administrators, whether they are new to their positions or veterans. The personal anecdotes are relatable, funny, and inspirational. This book will guide a school's journey to unite the entire school through intentional strategies that emphasize communication, inclusivity, and shared goals."" -Barb Jepson High School Principal; LAUSD ""Unlocking SEL by Lana Penley is a valuable gift to educators. As a retired principal, this book would have been a game-changer for me and my staff as we navigated the trials of implementing social-emotional learning practices in our school. I am grateful that such a resource now exists for current and future educators. Whether you read this book alone, with a team, or as a full staff, I encourage you to crack it open and get started. Lana's personal experience and expertise are shared in a clear and accessible way that will leave you grateful for her insights."" -Lori Clark Retired Principal; Portland Public