The Pathways Learning Network convened on Thursday, March 23 to learn about how school districts are going beyond the traditional academic structures to create inclusive learning environments and teach specific skills like self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making.

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines Social Emotional Learning (SEL) as “the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.” Making these types of adjustments to improve the learning environment is gaining increasing traction among parents and educators. Research shows that having these skills improves academic performance and helps students prepare for life and future educational and employment opportunities.

During this session, Andy Tucker, CASEL; Tanya Albornoz, Utah State Board of Education; and Emily Arkfeld, Nebraska’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (NeMTSS), discussed basic SEL principles, how to effectively incorporate SEL concepts into school curricula, and strategies for communicating the benefits of SEL to cross-sector audiences.

Meet the Speakers

Tanya Albornoz
Education Coordinator, Utah State Board of Education (USBE)

Tanya Albornoz, CSW earned her Masters of Social Work at the University of Utah and is currently licensed as a Clinical Social Worker. Tanya worked for 20 years in Utah’s Child Welfare system as the State Foster Care and Adoption Program Administrator, prior to joining the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) in January of 2020. Tanya was promoted in May of 2021 to be the Education Coordinator at USBE for School Counseling and Prevention Programs. In her position, Tanya oversees the implementation of programs such as suicide prevention, substance use prevention, bullying prevention, trauma-informed practices in education, and school counseling. Tanya has a passion for all things related to prevention science, evidence-based and research informed prevention practices in schools, and school-based mental or behavioral health. Tanya also practices as a part-time therapist at a treatment program for youth and is the mother of three beautiful daughters.

Andrew Tucker (he/him)
Director of Policy, Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

Andy Tucker is the Director of Policy at the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). In this role, he supports federal, state, and local policymakers to ensure that students have access to evidence-based, high-quality social and emotional learning (SEL) programs and practices. Prior to his time at CASEL, Andy served in roles at the Colorado Department of Education, as a school- and district-level administrator, school counselor, and secondary Spanish teacher.

Emily Arkfeld
Social-Emotional and Behavioral Learning (SEBL) Specialist, Nebraska’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (NeMTSS)

Emily Arkfeld is a Social-Emotional and Behavioral Learning (SEBL) Specialist with Nebraska’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (NeMTSS) project. She provides professional development, technical assistance and coaching to educators regarding the social-emotional and behavioral learning needs of educators and students across the state. Arkfeld has spent nearly a decade as a school social worker and training new Child and Family Services Specialists for the State of Nebraska. She is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed mental health professional, and earned a master’s degree in social work at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Event Info

  • Location: Virtual
  • Date: March 23, 2023
  • Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm PT
  • Phone: