Social Emotional Learning
DeKalb County School District SEL Vision & Mission
Overview
Supporting the Whole Child: SEL in DeKalb Schools
Social-emotional learning (SEL) equips students with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions — helping them succeed academically and socially.
A “Why SEL Matters” intro section
Research shows that evidence-based SEL improves students' social skills, behavior, mental health, and academic outcomes. SEL supports a positive school climate, lowers behavioral referrals, and helps students develop lifelong skills.
Skills for Everyday Success
Children need SEL skills to thrive both in the classroom and in life. SEL skills teach children techniques to:
- Gain confidence
- Set goals
- Make better decisions
- Collaborate with others in work and play
- Navigate the world more effectively
SEL Vision and Mission
SEL Vision:
The vision of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) within the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is to implement programming that facilitates student success milestones, addresses gaps in access and achievement, and equips students with the necessary attributes of a DCSD graduate to pursue their future dreams.
DCSD SEL Mission:
The mission of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is to equip our diverse school community with a foundation of life-long SEL skills for holistic success that promotes equity, excellence and empowerment.
SEL Focus Areas
SEL Focus Areas:
To put our SEL vision into practice, DCSD will focus on the following six areas:
- Focus #1: Promote a shared vision for SEL, culture, and student and staff wellness
- Focus #2: Build connections with students & families
- Focus #3: Encourage student and family well being
- Focus #4: Champion a productive learning environment
- Focus #5: Design opportunities for adults to connect, heal, and build capacity to support students
- Focus #6: Apply data analysis to sustainably improve support for students and families
Meet the SEL Team in DeKalb
Meet the SEL Team in DeKalb:
Dr. Shannon Crosslin, Ed.D, NCC, NCSC, LPC, ACS, CPCS serves as a Senior Coordinator in DeKalb County School District, under the Division of Wrap Around Services. Dr. Crosslin received a Bachelor of Arts/Elementary Education from Southern University A & M College, Master of Science in Counseling/Psychology from Troy State University and Doctor of Education/Counseling Psychology from Argosy University.
As a Senior Coordinator, Dr. Crosslin’s role is to provide leadership, advocacy and collaboration at the school, district, and state levels to ensure the development, implementation, and assessment of school counseling programs. With over twenty years of Counseling experience in education and mental health services Dr. Crosslin has advocated and collaborated to promote equity and access for all students by connecting their school counseling program standards to the academic, career and social-emotional development of all students.
Dr. Torri Hornsby-Griffin, Ph.D., LPC serves as the Title IV Prevention Liaison in the Wrap Around Services Division of the DeKalb County School District. She has been a Mental Health Practitioner/Educator/Teacher/Trainer for over 25 years and is passionate about ensuring that students and staff have safe and healthy learning environments to thrive in. Through collaboration with community partners and school departments, she develops and implements programs that discourage violence and drug misuse while promoting mental health and personal well-being for staff, students, and families. Dr. Hornsby-Griffin earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Emory University, her Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of West Georgia, and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education from Georgia State University.
Mrs. Alethia Love serves as Counseling Coordinator II within the Division of Wrap Around Services in DeKalb County School District. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University, a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from the University of West Georgia, and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership from Mercer University.
With over three decades of experience in education, Alethia has worked as a Professional School Counselor at the elementary level and Lead Counselor at the high school level. She plays a critical role in providing leadership and support to Professional School Counselors, ensuring the implementation of a Comprehensive School Counseling Plan to benefit all students. Alethia's passion lies in assisting students to successfully navigate their educational journey and graduate with a clear plan for their future endeavors. Her active involvement in professional affiliations allows her to stay informed on the latest developments in student support, enhancing her ability to make a meaningful impact on student success.
Dena McTyre is a counseling coordinator II within the Division of Wrap Around Services with 10 years of experience supporting school counselors and leaders through one-to-one coaching, consultation, webinars and events. With a specialization in virtual education and passion for college and career readiness, Dena is motivated by the mission to ensure high school graduates have the content knowledge, skills, habits and dispositions in multiple subjects to be successful in their future endeavors. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is crucial because it helps children identify their feelings, understand and communicate with others, build strong relationships, and make empathetic decisions. These life skills go beyond academic subjects and play a vital role in their overall development. Additionally, SEL can lead to better self-awareness, improved academic achievement, and positive behaviors both in and out of the classroom, which better prepares scholars with the tools they need to attain their postsecondary goals. Dena is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed.
Natasha Moon, PhD, LPC, is a Counseling Coordinator II within the Division of Wrap Around Services at DeKalb County School District. With over 20 years of experience, her career encompasses roles as a teacher, counselor, and lead counselor. Dr. Moon actively shares her expertise at state and local conferences, focusing on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and its advantages, as well as other topics that promote overall mental health wellness. She is affiliated with multiple professional organizations, ensuring she remains informed about the latest trends and best practices that influence students’ social-emotional growth. Dr. Moon takes immense pride in her role on the Social Emotional Learning Team, understanding that SEL skills are vital for guiding children to become positive, responsible, and self-aware individuals. In a world that is continually diversifying, classrooms serve as the initial environment where students encounter peers from various backgrounds, differing beliefs, and unique abilities.