Social and Emotional Learning Minor

Be part of the next generation of teachers supporting student success with social and emotional learning.

One lesson from the pandemic is the benefit of social and emotional learning (SEL) to support student academic success. With this new minor added in fall 2022, you gain a formal framework for greater understanding of how to: 

  • create safe spaces for students
  • promote empathy
  • engage in and teach well-being practices for all K-12 students
  • support self-awareness 
  • facilitate shared decision-making
  • learn culturally responsive approaches to SEL 

Already among the most popular minors at UNI, the SEL minor builds on required coursework for elementary and secondary education majors while electives reflect the breadth of social and emotional learning. Upon completion, you will have the basics of the five recommended SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. 

Interested in the Social & Emotional Learning Minor?

Contact us directly at:

Advising & Teacher Education Success
SEC 151
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0608

Phone: 319-273-2751
Email: teachereducation@uni.edu

Coursework

For Elementary Education Majors

This minor lets you build upon already required coursework that is part of the Teacher Education program. 

Required courses include:

  • Methods of Teaching Visual & Performing Arts Integration in the Elementary Classroom
  • Dynamics of Human Growth & Development
  • Classroom Management
  • Human Relations: Awareness & Application
  • Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners

In addition, you’ll take one elective course in areas such as philosophy, religion or psychology and attend an SEL seminar and three workshops to complete this minor.

For Secondary Education Majors

As a secondary education major hoping to teach at the middle or high school level, your required coursework includes three courses:

  • Dynamics of Human Growth & Development
  • Human Relations: Awareness & Application
  • Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learnings in the Classroom 

You’ll then select three electives in areas such as sociology, family services, psychology, social work and special education. You’ll also complete an SEL seminar and can participate in three workshops.