Social Emotional Learning
About the Director
With “Students First” as my guiding principle and believing that education is the key to freedom, I am committed to the work of ensuring that all students are on the receiving end of a high rigorous and high-quality education that will serve the whole child and equipped them for competitive contribution locally, nationally, and globally. As the Director of Social Emotional Learning, I am further committed to working with stakeholders, building community partnerships, and building lasting relationships that will enhance the social emotional capacity, diversity and equity for students, families and the lager school community.
My Career in public education spans over 17 years, where I previously served as high school History teacher, teacher of Deaf-Blind, and most recently as Director of Special Education and Student Services. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education from Northern Caribbean University (JWI), my Master of Science Degree in Special Education from Cambridge College and obtained my Special Education Administration License through Curry College Principal and Supervisor Licensure Program (PSL). I am currently completing my doctorate in Special Education at Regent University.
What is Social Emotional Learning? As defined by CASEL- Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. SEL is not a “lesson” taught once a week, it extends deeper into the culture and community of a district and a school (Kingkade, 2018). Here at Milford Public Schools the Department of Social Emotional Learning realizes that students learn best when schools provide them with a safe and supported learning environment both physically and emotionally. The Department of Social Emotional Learning supports schoolbase staff in using the most effective strategies to foster a safe learning environment (climate & culture) and maximize student engagement and achievement. The Department is committed to supporting students in developing lifelong skills that will help them in school, the community and larger society.
As the Director of Social Emotional Learning, I look forward to working with our school community to provide the supports to develop and build the skills that will help each student:
• Identify strengths, interest, and areas of growth
• Understand and manage emotions
• Understand and being able to relate to others
Problem solve and make responsible decisions Please feel free to contact the office of Social Emotional Learning for support, questions and/or concerns.
Stacia P. Copeland, MS
31 West Fountain Street | Milford, Massachusetts 01757
Phone: 774-462-0991