If you’ve been around for a while, you know that we’ve talked a lot about reading instruction on this podcast – it’s called the Science of Reading Formula, after all. But before students can focus on learning to read, they have OTHER needs that need to be met first.

Lana Penley was an elementary school principal in Oregon. When her school burned to the ground in 2009, the tragedy shifted her focus from state test scores to social emotional learning as she discovered that community HAS to come BEFORE learning.

I invited Lana onto the podcast after getting an advanced copy of her new book, Unlocking SEL. In this episode, Lana shares her social emotional learning blueprint so you can create the calm, peaceful, high functioning classroom that empowers you AND your students to reach your fullest potential.

In this episode, we'll talk about...

• How embracing social emotional learning instead of test scores can be a transformational experience for your school and community. 
• A blueprint for creating a positive classroom environment. Lana shares "all the things" with practical strategies and tools to bring calm, peace, and functionality to classrooms. 
• Using mindfulness to combat teacher burnout. Lana shares insights on practices that can create a more balanced and healthy work environment for educators, while improving your student's outcomes as well!

Show links:

• Grab the book "Unlocking SEL" by Lana Penley
• Visit Lana's Website
• Follow Malia on Instagram
• Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

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