In this episode, we welcome Dr. Maurice Elias, a trailblazer in social-emotional learning (SEL) and character development, to explore how equipping students with essential SEL skills and fostering civic engagement prepares them for lifelong success. Dr. Elias, professor of psychology at Rutgers University and director of the Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab, discusses his foundational work in helping educators integrate SEL into the classroom. We'll dive into his renowned techniques, detailed in his books Morning Classroom Conversations and Students Taking Action Together, to understand how educators can inspire purpose, and promote democratic values within schools.