How can we create schools that are both healthier and happier? Picture a school where students and educators feel deeply supported, emotionally resilient, and fully empowered to succeed. A place where the energy is palpable, learning thrives, and joy makes a comeback. How do we make SEL not just another initiative, but a driving force that truly reshapes the fabric of our schools? In Unlocking SEL , Lana Penley shows us that this vision isn’t just a dream-it’s an achievable reality through the transformative power of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). With her five keys to social-emotional learning, schools can become compassionate communities—where every student and educator feels seen, heard, and supported. Build the Foundation : Establish clear SEL goals, a strong team, and mindfulness practices to support a healthy school culture. - Center Adult SEL : Focus on educator well-being by reducing stress and fostering joy, creating a resilient school community through the 5 Habits of a Mindful Educator. - Come into the Classroom : Integrate SEL into classrooms through strong relationships, daily mindfulness, and supportive environments using the Big 8 Classroom SEL Strategies. - Scale Schoolwide : Implement SEL schoolwide, fostering a culture of belonging and consistent practices for all. - Design a Cycle of Success : Align resources, track progress, and refine strategies to ensure long-term, sustainable SEL growth. Chock full of tips, strategies, and real-life examples, Lana’s book will engage and entertain you while providing a step-by-step blueprint for school transformation. It is the HOW-TO WITH HUMANITY book for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) implementation. …Unlocking SEL’s easy-to-follow structure, common sense strategies, and actionable steps make it a valuable resource for teachers like me. This is both a fun and impactful read. -Joni Strama, Teacher and Coach …Lana has created a roadmap for me to implement SEL for my principals in a way that is manageable and effective. - Mary Melvin, Regional Director LAUSD …This impressive book draws on research, theory and Lana’s own personal journey as a principal - it should be required reading for administrators during their training. -Mark Greenberg, Emeritus Professor Penn State "Every school leader would benefit from reading Unlocking SEL ! This book offers a road map for creating a community of wellness and care that is an essential foundation for a well-rounded education. This book brilliantly establishes the importance of adults internalizing mindfulness as the base structure for creating a school community of care and emotional regulation for adults and students." -Mary Pearson School Principal; Portland Public "What a lovely journey this book takes the reader on! Lana's relatable stories and insightful reflections captivate the reader from the very beginning. I would love to use this book as a tool to open the school year with my staff. It helps me to be a more empathetic, thoughtful leader. It also allows me to care for myself and maintain my SEL to model healthy behavior for my team!" -Mary Melvin Regional Director; LAUS " Unlocking SEL by Lana Penley offers a comprehensive, practical approach to integrating social emotional learning into the classroom. With clear strategies, real-world examples, and actionable insights, Penley helps educators support students' emotional and social development. This book is an invaluable resource for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment." -Kim Cain Principal; Glen Dale, WV "One of the standout features of the book is its recognition of how trauma can impact behavior, offering thoughtful insights within an SEL framework. By equipping educators with tools to create safe and supportive environments, Unlocking SEL helps mitigate student dysregulation and address behavioral challenges effectively. For anyone interested in creating emotionally intelligent classrooms, this book is a must-read. Lana Penley guides readers through practical steps to transform classrooms and schools into nurturing environments where both children and adults can thrive and learn together." -Kristie Lindholm Executive Director of Schools and Learning; Vancouver School District " Unlocking SEL is exactly what is needed today in education. It is a must-read for both teachers and administrators, whether they are new to their positions or veterans. The personal anecdotes are relatable, funny, and inspirational. This book will guide a school's journey to unite the entire school through intentional strategies that emphasize communication, inclusivity, and shared goals." -Barb Jepson High School Principal; LAUSD "Unlocking SEL by Lana Penley is a valuable gift to educators. As a retired principal, this book would have been a game-changer for me and my staff as we navigated the trials of implementing social-emotional learning practices in our school. I am grateful that such a resource now exists