In 2020, after several years of experimenting with various social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula, at Verita International School we made a significant decision: we embraced SEE Learning (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning) from the prestigious Emory University, a program often referred to as SEL 2.0.

This choice was driven by the program’s distinctive features, including:

  • a constructivist methodology;
  • a strong emphasis on compassion and care;
  • ethical engagement;
  • attention trainin;
  • resiliency and a trauma-informed approach;
  • personal practices;
  • systems thinking;
  • and a focus on equity.

At Verita School, teachers are both educators and ambassadors of SEE Learning. And, throughout the year, they undergo specialized training to effectively deliver SEE Learning to their students. This education takes the form of stand-alone lessons and brief reinforcement activities seamlessly included in the daily routine.

And our school’s commitment to SEE Learning extends beyond the classroom. The Verita Foundation entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Emory University, solidifying its role as the primary affiliate for Romania. This partnership involves translating the SEE Learning curriculum in Romanian and promoting its adoption throughout the country, with the hope of integrating it into the broader state school system. Also, some Verita teachers have gone above and beyond, delving deeper into SEE Learning. They have become Level 1 SEE Learning Facilitators, a role that empowers them to disseminate SEE Learning principles by training other teachers, both within the Verita community and throughout the Romanian school system.

At the heart of this commitment lies the creation of a safe and nurturing environment for both students and teachers. Building resilience, training attention, and helping students navigate their emotions serve as foundational pillars for the academic skills students are expected to master. And the SEE Learning’s approach aligns seamlessly with this objective, because it provides the tools and techniques necessary to cultivate a calm, alert, and focused mind, along with a settled body. In essence, it helps individuals find their wellbeing and resilient zone, which is essential for achieving academic excellence.

Primary core components

A new generation of students

However, SEE Learning at Verita International School is not just a curriculum, but a philosophy that promotes emotional intelligence, empathy, and ethical behavior. As the program continues to flourish within the Verita community (staff, students and parents), it is paving the way for a new generation of students who are not only academically proficient but also compassionate, resilient, and equipped to make a positive impact on the world. The school’s dedication to SEE Learning exemplifies the power of education to transform lives and nurture well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Continuing the SEL curricula and practices at home is a vital partnership between parents and educators. It empowers children with essential life skills, like self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication, that lay the foundation for their social and emotional development. By embracing and promoting these principles outside of our school, parents ensure an enduring education, helping their children thrive in both academic and personal aspects of life.

Verita International School Bucharest is a fully accredited IBDP and COBIS International British school with over 1,000 students and 200 teachers located in both Romania and Greece. Following the National Curriculum of England & Wales, Verita enhances learning through progressive inquiry-based frameworks and a social-emotional curricula. The school’s extensive membership networks contribute to a global community of schools committed to providing quality education.