An Art-Based SEL Framework to Equip Primary School Teachers in Jammu and Kashmir, India

This study examines an online arts-based capacity-building program within the socio-emotional learning framework to support school teachers (N = 152) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India, following prolonged educational disruption for Covid-19. The program was implemented by the Red Pencil in collaboration with local partners and aimed to provide online training and supervision for implementing art-based classroom activities, along with developing a handout as a sustained teacher resource. Findings highlight the potential of introducing training in arts-integrated socio-emotional learning competencies for the educators working in complex and high-stress educational settings. The article details the program implementation from the school context of J&K and advocates for training in creative tools to enhance the classroom engagement from a strength-focused approach.