Tanesha Windom

“I AM A KEEPER is a social and emotional learning course offered in 45-50 minute class sessions per 7 sections of 15 elementary and middle school students. The class is held twice weekly over for a period of 36 weeks during the school year. I AM A KEEPER provides life skills training, group discussions, exercises, interactive activities, indoor/outdoor activities, and SEL projects centered around grade-level specific developmental topics. Topics covered include: Self-Esteem Building, Self-Efficacy, Dealing with Depression, Coping with Anxiety, Healing from Trauma, Social Skills, Communication Skills, Goal Setting, Assertiveness, Anger Management, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving, Conflict Resolution, Peer Pressure, Anti-Bullying, Decision Making, Relationship Building, Family Conflict, Self-Care, and more. The purpose of the class is to foster character development, social skill building, emotional health, and nurturing relationships with caring adults among scholars; thereby improving academic performance and overall well-being. Mentors sourced from My Sister's Keeper mentoring organization undergird the class and provide mentor presentations, share-time, interaction, and SEL resources for class participants. Several bonus features are signature to the I AM A KEEPER experience such as e-mentoring, texts, emails, newsletters, virtual classrooms, one-on-one mentoring, tutoring, life coaching, lunch with my mentor, after school programs, snacks and incentives, school-wide events and field trips, and service-learning projects for national days of youth service. See the I AM A KEEPER Youth Fair article: https://www.telegramnews.net/story/2019/04/04/lifestyles/highland-park-youth-help-the-community-thrive-on-global-youth-service-day/589.html Tanesha Windom and SEL proponents are working to integrate I AM A KEEPER and similar courses into school curriculums across school districts in the State of Michigan.”