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The call for school reform and improvement presents today’s educators with a great challenge. How do we strengthen basic skills, increase higher order thinking skills, warn about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, violence and other potentially lifechallenging situations while promoting appreciation and respect for diversity? Simply put, how do we prepare our children to be knowledgeable, responsible, caring and contributing members of a very pluralistic and global society?

And how do we do this in the face of budget crunches, and ever-changing federal and state mandates? What does not change is the essential importance of children’s Social-Emotional and Character Development (SECD) for college, career, contribution, and life success. The 3 course program that lead to the certificate allows instructors to:

 

We offer two (2) Certificate Programs:

  1. The General Track Program - This 3 course program has a range from those with limited to no experience in SECD to those with experience.  
  2. The Accelerated Track Program - This 2 course program is an advanced program and only for those who have been teaching SECD evidence based programs directly to students consistently and intentionally for 5 or more years.  There is an application process for acceptance into this program.  

Both programs are fully online with mandatory live chat discussions that will enhance the learning, build community among the cohort and provide demonstrations of SECD skill and virtue teaching.  The approach focuses on Teach, Model, Prompt and Practice.

 

2 NEW COURSES HAVE BEEN ADDED!!

 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

What Certificate Programs For Instruction Do You Offer?

There are currently TWO certificate programs offered and both focus on SECD instruction:

General Track Program:

The first program is a three course General Track program for those professionals with little to no experience and/or knowledge in Social-Emotional and Character Development; Foundations, Pedagogy and Practice, and Practicum as well as those who have a foundation and are looking to enhance and/or organize their SECD knowledge and experiences.

Each of these three courses introduces and develops knowledge and skills in social and emotional and character development for those who will be the primary deliverer (i.e. educators, school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, antibullying, specialists, after-school program staff, etc) to all students prekindergarten through twelfth grade as well as college level students. Regardless of the Social-Emotional and/or Character Development program currently implemented in your school (if at all), participants in this credentialing program will acquire knowledge of: Self-awareness, Emotional Regulation, Social Awareness, Relationship Building and Decision Making, as well as the principles of Character Education. Participants will also develop lessons and/or action plans for implementation in their individual settings.

Accelerated (Advanced) Track Program (Not a fast track to completion):

The second program is a two course Accelerated Track program for those professionals with 5+ years teaching Social-Emotional and Character Development in their classroom, small group counseling sessions or after school program directly to students.  OR for those professionals who have been providing SECD staff development workshops/trainings for 5+ years consistently.   The Accelerated Program is  NOT a fast track to completion.  Applicants MUST be able to document their 5+ years of SECD direct SECD instruction to students OR to staff in a consistent (without random breaks or moves) and intentional approach.

Each of the courses in this program is designed to help deepen the foundation and Pedagogy and Practice for a more experienced professional as well as serve as a spring board to document the past, present and future journey in Social-Emotional and Character Development.  For more information regarding the Accelerated Track Program please click here  

Eligibility Requirements for the Accelerated Track Program can be found here

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who should take our courses?  

All of our courses/programs are designed for those professionals who provide instruction directly to students (of all ages).

Who do I contact with questions or difficulties during the registration process?

For questions or difficuties send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

What are the various courses/programs you offer?

On the Instruction side of the Academy, we offer 2 basic programs:  General Track Program and the Accelerated Track Program.

For information regarding the General Track, please go to: https://psych.rutgers.edu/sel-general-track

For information regarding the Accelerated Track, please go to: https://psych.rutgers.edu/sel-accelerated-track

We now have a new program that will launch in the fall 2021 - Social-Emotional Lab Program

And launching in the spring 2022 will be - Students Taking Action Together (STAT)

More specific informaiton to follow.

 

What are the tuition costs for the programs you offer?

General Track Program:

Foundations - $313.00 (10 wks)

Pedagogy & Practice - $321.00 (10 wks)

General Practicum - $469.00 (15 wks)

For more information go to: https://psych.rutgers.edu/sel-general-track

Accelerated Track Program

Combined Course (101 & 102 combined) - $469.00 (10 wks)

Accelerated Practicum - $ $453.00 (10 wks)

For more information go to: https://psych.rutgers.edu/sel-accelerated-track

 

What is the difference between the Instruction and Leadership sides of the Academy?

The Instruction side was developed with primary deliverers of SECD in mind (teachers, counselors, social workers, after school providers etc).  The focus of the Instruction side IS INSTRUCTION https://psych.rutgers.edu/sel-certificate

The Leadership side was developed with building administrators, supervisors and others who primarily work with staff.  The focus of the coursework IS LEADERSHIP (selinschools.org)

Both sides are a part of the Academy and are in partnership.

Can I register for the General Track Program if I am a principal?

You can.  However, understand that our courses/programs on the Instruction side of the Academy focus on providing direct SECD instruction to students.  Our practicum will also focus on a detailed action plan and weekly action plans that will be delivered directly to students (either in a face to face setting OR using online/remote teaching).  Some administrators register for our programs to have a better understanding of what their teaching staff would be learning and doing.  If you are an administrator, you  might want to consider exploring our sister program on the Leadership side of the Academy ( https://selinschools.org/  or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with specific questions you may have.

I am a college professor; is the Instruction side of the Academy for me?

Yes; our programs on the Instruction side are for those who teach students of any age.  Our students learn how to either teach SECD straight-up as a stand alone course to their students and/or integrate SECD in an intentional and consistent approach into their existing course content or curriculum.

Do I need to work in a school to enroll in these programs?

First, our programs are for instruction; so you need to be working directly with students (of any age, even college age) in an "in" school or "out-of-school" setting.  Any after school or out of school setting will work.  However, the key here is that you will be delivering / teaching SECD lessons in an intentional approach to students.  So, being able to work with students will be essential for registering for the Instruction side of the Academy.  

Can I still register for these courses since my school is now doing remote learning?

Yes, our programs also assist you in being able to deliver SECD lessons remotely.

I live abroad and would be an international student; when are Live Chat discussions held?

Many of our students are international students.  LIve Chats are typically held in the evening (EST) and are posted within each of the courses.  They are mandatory as they are what build a sense of SECD community and enhance the lessons.  If there is an issue with the time due to location, simply speak with your instructor.  

How many LIve Chat Discussions are there in each of the courses?

101 - 4-5

102 - 6

103 - 5

What can I expect once I register for a course?

Upon a successful registration, you should receive an email from Rutgers Canvas helpdesk/ANCOR providing loggin information.  If you do not receive this email, please check your spam/junk folder.   OR contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Please make note of your start date especially if you register several months prior to your start date.

What does it mean if I have been wait-listed?

If you  are wait-listed please look for the next available course/section and register (if available for registration at that time) as soon as possible.  Our courses fill quickly.  Click here for more information

When will I have access to my course?

You will gain access to your course on its start date.  All materials and course content will be visible at this time.

I have registered for 101; will I hear from my course instructor and/or receive materials prior to its start date?

You will receive a welcome email from your instructor on or slightly before your start date.  You will only be able to access the course/materials on your start date.  If on your start date you are unable to access your course from your Canvas dashboard, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How are the courses formatted?

Our courses are a hybrid of self-paced units with unit completion due dates (to help keep the group moving forward together but also providing some flexibility) and Live Chat discussions held in real time.  Live Chats are essential to the process of SECD learning and building community.  Dates are listed within the course for planning.  Click here for more information

Are there Live Chat discussions? What if I can't make a live discussion?

Yes, there are Live Chat discussions in each of our courses.  Since we are teaching SECD, building community, sharing of ideas and providing live demonstrations of teaching skills and virtues is essential.  All live chat dates will be posted within each course at the start date.  If you cannot make a live chat date you must contact your instructor ahead of the date to discuss next steps.  We view Live Chat discussions similar to an in person class session.  You must be present and participate to receive credit. 

What is the criteria for successful completion of a course?

Students must achieve an 85% or higher in order to successfully complete each course and to be able to register for the next course.  This includes successfully completing and submitting within the due date assignments required for each course AND successfully completing each of the assessments within each course.  Students cannot "opt out" of the assessments.  Click here for more information.

Are credits given for successful completion of courses?

No, our courses are non-credit courses.  CEU's are given for successful completion of each course.  A certificate of completion is given following each successful completion as well as a program certificate upon successful completion of all courses within a program.

Can I register for more than one course at a time?  OR register for the next course before I complete the one I am currently enrolled in?

No; students need to successfully complete one course prior to registering for the next.  Also, students cannot overlap courses due to an overlap of start and end dates for the same reason.

What is the difference between the General Track Program and the Accelerated Track Program?

The General Track Program is for those with little to no real SECD experience or knowledge.  Students in this track will receive a grounding in SECD foundations, the pedagogy and practice and then have an opportunity to practice what they have learned during the practicum with guidance and mentoring from their practicum instructor.  

The Accelerated Track Program is NOT a fast track to completion.  It is only for those who have already been teaching SECD in a consistent and intentional approach for 5+ years directly to students OR who have been teaching/facilitating SECD professional development/workshops in a consistent and intentional approach for 5+ years directly to staff and/or parents.  Students need to apply specifically to this program and be accepted prior to registration.  To be admitted into this program it has to be demonstrated, acknowledged and verified through the resume and letter that you have the necessary SECD experience and expertise to be accepted.

I think I would like to register for the Accelerated Program. How do I know if I am eligible for the Accelerated Program?

First, the Accelerated Program is NOT a fast track to completion.  The Accelerated Program is a fast paced and more advanced program for those professionals who have been teaching SECD directly to students in an intentional and consistent approach for 5+ years.  Applicants to this program must be able to document each of their 5+ years of actual SECD teaching experience. Click here for Eligibility Requirements for the Accelerated Track Program   Click here for more information: Accelerated Track Program

I have not actually taught SECD for 5+ years, am I still eligible for the Accelerated Track Program?

No.

What is the difference between the General Track (3 course) Program and the new SEL Lab (2 course) Program?

The General Track Program is a prevention model whereas the SEL Lab Program is a tier 2 intervention program specifically designed for those students having difficulty internalizing skills learned during the prevention lessons. 

The SEL Lab Program will teach you how to set up an SEL Lab in your school (on site or remotely if necessary) and then how to facilitate or teach SECD skills/traits in a one on one setting.  LIke the General Track Program the SEL Lab Program is a teaching component.  

Can I register and take the General Track Program AND the SEL Lab Program at the same time?

Yes you can.

 Do courses run all year?

Yes, our courses/programs run all throughout the year.  The only course that does not run during the summer is our Practicum (103) course The last entry into a Practicum section prior to the summer is March 1 and then start dates will begin again at the end of August.

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Can I pay using a purchase order from my school district?

Yes!  However, please note the process on the payment/registration page It is essential that the purchase order is emailed ahead of registration to:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  Students will no longer be allowed/able to register ahead of a purchase order being sent and payment received. Click here for more information.

My district says that they will not submit the PO or pay for the course until after I complete the course.  Is this acceptable?

No; it is not.  Registrations ahead of submitting a Purchase Order or payment received will no longer be allowed. The Purchase Order should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. well in advance of course/section start date.

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

No, we do not.

Can I get a refund?  OR transfer into another section?  What happens if I do not successfully complete a course?

Refunds are only given within the first week of a course's start date.  No refunds will be given after 1 week from a start date.

Transfers can only be done within the first week of a course's start date.  No transfers will be honored/done after 1 week from a start date.

Those who do not successfully complete any of our courses will need to retake the course at their own expense.

Who do I contact with a billing, payment, or registration question?

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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