About SEL.IL
Promoting Social-Emotional Learning in Israel
SEL.IL is an applied research center at the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology at Reichman University (formerly IDC Herzliya).
The center aspires to develop innovative knowledge, tools, and solutions based on research and technology to promote social-emotional learning (SEL) in educational frameworks and society in general as well as to address social-emotional challenges that arise in the field.
We consider ourselves committed to promoting an inclusive society that values the ability to understand and manage emotions and behaviors, to foster positive, empathetic social interactions, and to develop resilience and wellbeing on the personal and collective level.
To this end, the center initiates and participates in a wide range of cooperative initiatives with philanthropic funds, local governments, educators, technology entrepreneurs, and leading researchers both in Israel and around the globe.
Working Together
This goal is important and exciting, but also complex and challenging. We believe that cooperating with all those who can contribute to or benefit from our activities is vital to accomplishing our goal in the optimal manner. We therefore have been cooperating with researchers from a wide variety of disciplines, the Israeli Ministry of Education, philanthropic foundations, local governments, schools, and parents from the very beginning.
SEL for the Next Generation
We all have come to share the understanding that the education system’s role is much greater than merely conveying knowledge. Today more than ever, we understand that the education system must equip the next generation with social-emotional skills and competencies. These skills will enable the next generation to develop optimally and cope efficiently with complex realities and a dynamic, constantly changing world.
Our Experience
We cooperate with partners from the worlds of research, practice, and philanthropy. Together we identify the unique needs of each community and then develop knowledge and solutions, based on research and technology. We have developed knowledge about the developmental stages for SEL skills and culture- and age-specific pedagogical practices. We also have validated tools to assess and cultivate SEL skills in classes, groups and individuals.
Researchers, psychologists, counselors, and practitioners from a variety of disciplines – ranging from educational and clinical psychologists to educational consultants to experts in entrepreneurship, special education, and human-computer interactions – cooperate on our team. All of them are leaders in their respective fields in Israel and – just as importantly – speak the language of SEL fluently! Senior researchers from around the world with extensive experience in SEL advise and guide our activities.