Reflections From an LPP Counselor on the Value of Social-Emotional Learning

At Liberty Partnerships Program our mission is to educate and empower students—which means we are always learning too. Whether it’s discovering new ways to support students or deepening our understanding of the challenges they face, we are committed to continuous growth. Recently our Johnson City Academic Counselor, Leah Best, MSW, had the opportunity to expand her knowledge by attending a virtual Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) seminar.  The insights she gained were too valuable not to share.

The seminar included professionals from around the world who came together to explore the profound impact of emotional awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness on both personal well-being and professional effectiveness. One of the biggest takeaways? Suppressing emotions doesn’t make them go away. In fact, it often does the opposite—those emotions resurface in unexpected and sometimes harmful ways, making it harder for us to show up as our best selves for the students who rely on us every day.

The Power of Emotional Transparency

One of the most eye-opening moments of the seminar came from a speaker who explained how suppressing strong emotions—like anger—can actually create tension in our relationships with students. When we mask our emotions too much, others can sense the inauthenticity, which can come across as a threat. Instead of building trust, it creates stress and distance. The key? Practicing appropriate emotional transparency. By acknowledging and managing our feelings in a healthy way, we foster authenticity, connection, and trust—three essential ingredients for meaningful student relationships.

Self-Talk Matters

Another important discussion centered around the way we speak to ourselves. There’s a huge difference between self-criticism and self-compassion, yet many of us default to the former. When we constantly judge ourselves for mistakes, it takes a toll on our well-being, making it harder to be fully present and supportive for students. But when we extend the same kindness to ourselves that we offer our students, everyone benefits.

The seminar also reinforced the importance of self-regulation techniques, like deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness—not just as tools to teach students, but as essential practices for educators and counselors, too. If we don’t take care of our own emotional health, how can we effectively guide students through theirs?

Why SEL Matters More Than Ever

SEL isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a vital part of student success. Beyond academics, students need emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills to navigate life’s challenges. SEL provides a framework to develop these essential skills, helping students build resilience, regulate emotions, and foster meaningful relationships.

Many students face daily stressors, from academic pressure to personal conflicts. Without emotional awareness and healthy coping strategies, these emotions can manifest as disruptive behavior, withdrawal, or struggles with self-esteem. By incorporating SEL into schools and support programs, we’re helping students recognize, process, and manage emotions in constructive ways—skills that will serve them well far beyond the classroom.

Everything is Connected

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from this seminar was the reminder that everything is interconnected. The way we care for ourselves directly impacts our ability to care for others. Schools and programs that prioritize SEL aren’t just helping students succeed academically—they’re creating environments where students feel seen, heard, and valued. And when students feel supported, they’re more likely to thrive.

At LPP, we are always growing, always learning, and always striving to be the best support system we can be. This seminar reinforced just how important it is to invest in both student and staff well-being. After all, the more we nurture ourselves, the more we can empower the next generation.