Catholic School Outreach and Resource Program for Social Emotional Learning Using Microcredentialing

• In Event: Working Papers Studying New Approaches in Catholic Education

Abstract

This paper reports on the development and implementation of a K-12 university collaboration, Catholic School Outreach and Resources (COR), providing professional development through micro-credentialing and mentoring in key areas of social emotional learning, trauma-informed teaching, and mental health resources essential to a positive school climate. Given the growing challenges facing Catholic schools with limited resources, a collaboration between an urban mission-driven university and urban Catholic schools is more urgent than ever. For many Catholic schools serving marginalized students, the lack of resources to address social emotional learning adds to the stress of teaching. Moreover, school staff who work in high needs schools are at greater risk for vicarious trauma, emotional distress and burnout (NCTSN, 2017; Reibergs & Fefer, 2018).

Authors

• Barbara Stacy Rieckhoff, DePaul University

• Donna Kiel, DePaul University

• Rebecca Michel, DePaul University