Leadership & Implementation Series: Identity-Affirming Approaches to SEL

---

This session will support MHLTs in planning, introducing, and sustaining identity-affirming approaches to social-emotional learning (SEL).

The 2025–2026 SMH-ON Leadership and Implementation series invites Mental Health Leadership Teams (MHLTs) from across Ontario to engage in differentiated professional learning and collaboration. Through provincial sessions, focused learning opportunities, and communities of practice, we encourage you to join and reflect on your work as you:  

Coordinate strategic planning and implementation aligned with PPM 169 Strengthen and cascade leadership capacity Deepen identity-affirming, student-centered approaches to school mental health  

 This session will support MHLTs in planning, introducing, and sustaining identity-affirming approaches to social-emotional learning (SEL). Participants will:  

Understand the principles of SEL from an identity-affirming perspective Identify system-level leadership strategies to embed these practices Explore practical tools and SMH-ON resources to support sustainable identity-affirming SEL practices at the school level  

 Leadership and Implementation series dates:  

January 29, 2026 (1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.); Measurement & Monitoring : An introductory overview for School Mental Health Leadership  February 18, 2026 (1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.); Mental Health Promotion and Literacy : Identify-Affirming Approaches to Social Emotional Leaning (SEL)  March 31, 2026 (1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.); Measurement & Monitoring : Practical Strategies for School Mental Health Leadership  

NOTE: A French offering of the Mental Health Promotion and Literacy : Identify-Affirming Approaches to Social Emotional Leaning (SEL) session will be available  February 25, 2026 (10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)  

Audience: 

School Mental Health Professionals: Managers of clinical or mental health services, Managers of psychology services, Managers of social work services, Mental health leaders  

System Leaders: Superintendents, Superintendents for mental health  

Language: 

This session will be delivered in English. There will be a separate session delivered in French (February 25, 2026).  

 

For more information or to register, contact your school board’s mental health leader.