In this episode of FocusED, we welcome Lori Woodley Langendorf, author of SEL Muscle Mastery, to explore the power of social emotional literacy in schools. Lori challenges the traditional view of SEL as something we “teach and check off,” reframing it as a lifelong literacy—no different than reading or math. It’s not a program. It’s a practice.

As a former school counselor and co-founder of All It Takes, Lori shares how simple, human moments—like a student holding a door open—can reveal the deeper need for intentional relationship-building in schools. Her work center ...