Center for Arts Education & SEL

Following the completion of the Arts Education & Social Emotional Learning Framework in 2020, and building upon nearly two decades of collective impact work, Arts Ed NJ launched this national initiative in 2021, which will positively impact the entire educational landscape.

The Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning (ArtsEdSEL) builds capacity to facilitate arts education enriched by SEL, and fosters a new vision for SEL within the context of artistic works. This is accomplished by elevating the lived experience, voices, and cultural assets of PreK-16 students through the development of exemplary arts education practices and approaches, designed to activate the SEL competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making through the artistic processes of create, perform, respond, and connect. ArtsEdSEL supports practices related to development of student artists’ IDENTITY, BELONGING, and AGENCY through the arts.

By shaping curriculum, supporting teacher practice, and furthering the arts education and social emotional learning research agenda, ArtsEdSEL builds capacity for high-quality arts education, grounded in culturally- responsive, relevant, and sustaining practices that will embrace the needs of diverse student populations.