Jasmine Salach

“SEL is critical to Hogan's mission and meeting the needs of its students. Last year Hogan was awarded a Teacher Retention and Recruitment grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, investing in eight high-performing staff around SEL knowledge and practices. Teachers received stipends for SEL professional development time spent outside of the traditional school day. Not only are staff trained to embed SEL competencies into core subjects, but they are also given explicit SEL-dedicated time each day during 'Advocacy Class'. All students participate in Advocacy Class, which focuses on developing social emotional skills and core competencies, aligned with the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework. Content progresses as students move into middle and high school, focusing not only on SEL, but also on goal setting and tracking, and career exploration and preparation. Every student, K-12, is also paired with an 'Advocate,' who serves as the primary contact between the student and family or caregiver. Through connection with one's Advocate, dedicated time to build SEL skills and competencies, and the development of Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs), students are more prepared for the real world as current and future leaders. The SEL in Action Awards grant would support the expansion of our teacher retention effort for four additional teachers during the 2022-23 SY. Through further staff development in SEL knowledge, dedicated time for students to learn and practice SEL competencies, and Advocates for every individual child, Hogan students will show the significant benefits associated with SEL.”