Learn How to Coach Educators on Setting Intentional SEL Goals

Support teachers in bringing social and emotional learning to life with meaningful, actionable SEL goals.

As schools embrace the whole-child approach, intentionality in setting social and emotional learning (SEL) goals is key. But how do we help teachers move from interest to impact?

As a Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator, one of the most powerful ways you can drive schoolwide change is by coaching educators on how to create focused, realistic, and measurable SEL goals. These goals not only guide instruction but also help embed SEL into the fabric of the classroom culture.

Why SEL Goals Matter

SEL isn’t just a program or a lesson—it’s a mindset and a practice. Setting intentional SEL goals helps teachers:

• Prioritize the emotional climate of their classrooms.

• Track growth in both students and themselves.

• Align SEL with academic success and schoolwide initiatives.

• Model goal-setting and reflection for students.

Step-by-Step: How to Coach Teachers to Set Intentional SEL Goals

1. Start with Reflection

Before setting any goals, encourage teachers to reflect on these questions:

• What SEL strengths already exist in your classroom?

• What SEL-related challenges do your students face?

• What areas of personal growth (as an educator) are you interested in?

Use a self-assessment tool or SEL framework (like CASEL’s competencies) to guide the reflection process.

2. Focus on One Competency at a Time

Rather than trying to “do all the SEL things,” help teachers choose one competency (e.g., self-awareness, responsible decision-making) to focus on for a semester or quarter. This focus prevents overwhelm and supports deep learning.

Sample Goal:“I will embed one self-management strategy per week into my morning routine to support students with transitions.”

3. Make Goals SMART + Heart-Centered

Encourage teachers to write goals that are:

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time-bound

And don't forget to connect the goal to the why: improving students’ well-being, building stronger relationships, and creating a safe learning environment.

4. Use Data + Observations

Help teachers identify how they’ll track progress. This can be through:

• Student surveys or reflections

• Behavior incident tracking

• Observational notes

• SEL check-ins or emotion journals

Offer to co-create simple tracking tools to make this step feel doable.

5. Schedule Regular Check-Ins

Coaching doesn’t stop once the goal is set. Build in short reflection meetings to:

• Celebrate progress

• Tweak strategies

• Share resources

• Revisit or revise goals

You might host monthly SEL goal circles with a few teachers to build a culture of collaboration and accountability.

Final Thoughts: SEL Goals Lead to SEL Growth

Setting SEL goals isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about deepening the commitment to teaching the whole child. As a coach or coordinator, your support empowers educators to be intentional, reflective, and aligned in their SEL efforts.

📌 Remember: Coaching isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, connection, and co-creating emotionally supportive classrooms where everyone can thrive.