Preliminary feasibility study of a global training-of-trainers for the Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning program

The Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning Program (SEE Learning) is a K-12 curriculum developed at Emory University and launched globally in 2019. The program aims to foster awareness, compassion, and ethical engagement in students. To address the high demand for the program across the world, a hybrid training-of-trainers (ToT) course was introduced in 2020. This paper presents the model for this ToT course, as well as feasibility data regarding trainees' experience of it. Given the lack of evidence-based models for effectively training trainers to deliver social and emotional learning (SEL) programs, this mixed-method feasibility study is meant to spur more discussion and research on the topic. The study, involving N = 166 trainees from 21 countries, aimed to answer three questions: 1) What were the qualifications and motivations of those selected into the ToT program? 2) How did the trainees respond to the program components and what aspects were perceived to be most effective? 3) What outcomes did they experience from receiving the program? Trainees indicated their motivations to enhance their knowledge of SEE Learning and to inspire teachers in their application program in the classroom. They also reported small group meetings as the most impactful in their understanding of the concepts, as well as their practice of the training competencies. Results indicated that trainees experienced an increase in content knowledge and confidence in applying the facilitation skills to train educators in the SEE Learning program. Preliminary results showed 72% of trainees were certified at the conclusion of the ToT course. Implications for similar global efforts are discussed.