Interconnected: Bringing an Ecological Perspective to SEL - With Drs. Shannon Wanless and Renee Owen

In this episode of Unboxing SEL, Dr. Shannon Wanless and Dr. Renee Owen share insights from their article Evolving Transformative SEL with an Ecological Perspective. They trace their unique paths into SEL and explain why moving beyond individualistic approaches is essential for tackling inequity and climate injustice. Emphasizing interconnectedness, collective action, and care for the natural world, they highlight ways educators can weave this perspective into everyday practice without adding to their workload. It’s a warm, thought-provoking conversation that invites listeners to reimagine SEL as a shared journey toward personal, community, and environmental well-being.

Participants:

Jinan El Sabbagh, PhD, Oklahoma State University

Emma McMain, PhD, University of Arkansas

Tonje Molyneux, PhD, University of British Columbia

Renee Owen, EdD, Southern Oregon University

Shannon Wanless, PhD, University of PIttsburgh

Facilitator: Tonje Molyneux

Editor: Adam Engelbrecht

References and Resources:

• “Evolving Transformative Social and Emotional Learning with an Ecological Perspective” (Renee Owen, Meena Srinivasan, and Shannon Wanless): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773233925000506
• Oregon Department of Education SEL site (dispositions): https://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/standards/sel/pages/default.aspx
• Transformative Educational Leadership: https://www.teleadership.org/
• Lisa Miller and The Spiritual Child: https://www.lisamillerphd.com/
• Rainbow Community School: https://rainbowcommunityschool.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21848063262&gbraid=0AAAAADRjSUXbLK8qKqepoA3EwtRXtbaTO&gclid=Cj0KCQjwndHEBhDVARIsAGh0g3Aa6JtWceMlTCe0UYSR0NPooEmXoLcgLziV_QnBScv9WxyyCe1DKIEaAjMfEALw_wcB
• SEE curriculum: https://seelearning.emory.edu/
• Sherri Mitchell and Sacred Instructions: https://www.sacredinstructions.life/
• Robin Wall Kimmerer and Indigenous Wisdom: https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com/
• David Sobel and The Holistic Educational Review: https://www.antioch.edu/faculty/david-sobel/
• Teach for Climate Justice: A Vision for Transforming Education (Tom Roderick): https://hep.gse.harvard.edu/9781682538074/teach-for-climate-justice/
• Restoring the Kinship Worldview (Wahinkpe Topa/Four Arrows and Darcia Narvaez): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/690771/restoring-the-kinship-worldview-by-wahinkpe-topa-four-arrows/
• Richie Davidson and the Upaya Zen Center: https://www.upaya.org/about/
• The Center for Holistic Education: https://centerforholisticeducation.org/