The Best SEL Professional Development Courses for Teachers in 2026
- INcompassing Education
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
As classrooms continue to evolve, one thing remains constant: students learn best when they feel seen, supported, and emotionally safe. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a cornerstone of effective instruction, helping teachers create environments where academic and emotional growth thrive side by side.
But even the most dedicated educators need support to bring SEL practices to life in meaningful, sustainable ways. That’s where professional development (PD) comes in. The best SEL professional development courses for teachers in 2026 do more than explain theories; they model empathy, build confidence, and equip educators with practical tools they can use immediately.
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school counselor, or district leader, here’s what to look for and which programs are leading the way this year.
Why SEL Professional Development Matters
Social-Emotional Learning isn’t a passing trend; it’s a proven framework for helping students build self-awareness, manage emotions, develop empathy, and make responsible decisions. Studies show that when schools integrate SEL effectively, academic performance improves, behavior incidents decrease, and teacher morale rises.
However, successful SEL implementation doesn’t happen by accident. Teachers need professional development that helps them:
Understand the five core competencies of SEL (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making)
Integrate SEL into daily instruction—not as an add-on, but as part of classroom culture
Navigate trauma-informed practices and emotional regulation strategies
Strengthen their own social-emotional skills to model healthy behaviors for students
The best teacher professional development workshops in 2026 are designed to do just that. They help educators move from understanding to application with clarity and confidence.
What Makes an SEL PD Course Truly Effective?
Before diving into specific programs, it’s helpful to know what distinguishes strong SEL professional development from the rest. In 2026, leading PD models share several key features:
Practical, Classroom-Focused Strategies Great SEL training connects research to daily routines. Teachers leave knowing exactly how to use strategies like morning meetings, emotional check-ins, or restorative conversations.
Ongoing Coaching and Support One-time workshops are rarely enough. The most effective programs include follow-up coaching or learning communities to support consistent practice and reflection.
Alignment with State and District Standards With SEL increasingly embedded in state standards, the best courses align with your region’s frameworks and provide documentation for professional growth credits.
Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive Content SEL is not one-size-fits-all. Training should help educators understand student backgrounds, honor diversity, and apply trauma-informed care to classroom relationships.
Flexibility and Accessibility In 2026, many schools are blending online and in-person PD. The most impactful courses meet educators where they are, both geographically and in their professional journey.
Top SEL Professional Development Courses for Teachers in 2026
Here are several of the best SEL professional development courses for teachers that stand out in 2026 for their evidence-based content, accessibility, and measurable impact.
1. CASEL SEL Professional Learning Series
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) remains a trusted leader in SEL education. Their professional learning series offers in-depth courses for educators and administrators, including implementation planning and metrics for schoolwide SEL.
Best for: District leaders and SEL coordinators building system-wide frameworks.
2. Responsive Classroom Workshops
Responsive Classroom offers highly interactive teacher professional development workshops that emphasize practical classroom management, student engagement, and SEL integration. Their four-day summer institutes remain among the top-rated in-person PD experiences for teachers.
Best for: K–8 teachers seeking hands-on strategies and positive classroom routines.
3. The SEL Signature Practices Playbook Training
Developed from CASEL’s “3 Signature Practices” framework: welcoming rituals, engaging practices, and optimistic closures, this PD focuses on integrating SEL into everyday instruction. Offered in-person or virtually, it’s ideal for schools starting their SEL journey.
Best for: Schools new to SEL looking for consistent, easy-to-adopt routines.
4. Harmony SEL by National University
Harmony SEL offers free online courses with research-backed lessons and classroom tools. Their asynchronous modules make continuing education simple for busy teachers.
Best for: Educators seeking self-paced online PD that fits any schedule.
5. INcompassing Education’s SEL & Behavior Management Workshops
INcompassing Education provides customized professional development focused on connecting SEL with behavior management and trauma-informed practices. Through tailored workshops and coaching, educators learn how to create emotionally safe classrooms that foster both learning and well-being.
Best for: Schools seeking personalized, full-service professional learning and coaching support.
How to Choose the Right SEL PD for Your Team
With so many options available, selecting the right SEL professional development course for teachers requires intentional planning. Here are a few factors to consider:
Goals: Are you aiming to build staff understanding, classroom strategies, or schoolwide implementation?
Format: Do you prefer live workshops, asynchronous online learning, or hybrid PD models?
Support: Is follow-up coaching or implementation support included?
Credits: Will teachers receive continuing education or licensure renewal credits?
Fit: Does the provider align with your school’s culture, priorities, and student needs?
By aligning your PD choice with these factors, you’ll ensure that the training leads to real change, not just another checkbox.
The Future of SEL Professional Development
As schools navigate post-pandemic realities, social and emotional learning remains essential for rebuilding connection, resilience, and belonging. In 2026, SEL professional development continues to evolve, incorporating neuroscience, restorative practices, and educator well-being.
The best programs aren’t just about student outcomes; they’re about helping teachers rediscover purpose, reduce burnout, and strengthen community in every classroom.
