CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The continued need for social and emotional learning in an age of artificial intelligence will lead off University of Northern Iowa’s fourth Social and Emotional Learning Conference on April 4. 

Social and emotional learning encompasses a “whole person” outlook as part of learning in the classroom. It entails competencies in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision making and relationship skills. 

David Adams, CEO of the Urban Assembly in New York who also serves on the board of directors of the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, will explore how fostering emotional intelligence, resilience and belonging will be as critical as academic achievement in the highly complex world of the future. 

"We have a lineup of new speakers along with our most popular presenters. We think it's going to be a fantastic day of learning and connecting,” said Nicole Skaar, planning committee member and professor in the UNI College of Education, which is sponsoring the conference with support from Cedar Valley United Way. 

Since its inception, the SEL conference has paired a leader in SEL with a children’s author who uses literature to shine a spotlight on themes that resonate. Joining Adams at the opening session is author and practicing attorney Marc Colagiovanni, who uses his stories to create conversations between children and adults on important issues.

More than 20 concurrent sessions complete the day’s schedule. The range of topics include standards-based grading, leadership strategies for supporting school mental health policies, writing creatively with arts integration, elevating student well-being, building stronger school communities and more. Speakers from UNI will be joined by presenters from institutions and organizations from across the state. 

The day-long conference includes a “keynotes-only” virtual option. Registration due by April 2 is $85 for the full day or $30 for the limited virtual option for practicing professionals – including teachers, social workers and school psychologists. The event is free for UNI faculty, students and staff. See full schedule and registration information at coe.uni.edu/SELConference.