My online podcast interviews will consist of me having conversations with experts in various roles and aspects of the educational system. Each podcast episode will feature an individual who will speak in reference to the importance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and its impact with students during the early and post-pandemic era. Each interviewee will provide information from their perspective; and share their expertise on how and what approaches they believe educators can consider, when it comes to improving students’ academic achievement and overall well-being, in an ever-changing society.

Episode 8: The State of SEL in NC and Beyond/Featured Podcast Guest Speaker -Beth Rice- currently works at the SERVE Center at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, which provides high quality research, evaluation, and customized support that drives positive educational outcomes for all learners. In her role as a Specialist for State Projects & Co-Founder of SEL4NC, Ms. Beth Rice joined the SERVE Center from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), where she was the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Lead on the Integrated Academic and Behavior Systems (IABS) Team within Educator and Student Advancement. She led SEL for the state, including leading the North Carolina Social and Emotional Learning Implementation Team and co-leading the North Carolina Social and Emotional Learning and Educational Equity Project. Through the MTSS framework, Beth initiated the Secondary MTSS Community of Practice (CoP); launched the state’s rollout of Check and Connect, an evidence-based mentoring program; and co-lead the School Mental Health Initiative’s Continuum Workgroup, which focused on a continuum of care for students. In 2018, Beth Rice resumed her long-time passion in social and emotional learning and school mental health; and, in 2019, Beth shifted from a regional consultant to a Practices Lead with a focus on SEL. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Leading and Learning in Organizations (LLO) at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.