Why we feel lucky to work with our partner schools
It’s true, we love our teachers. And we love all the students we work with. Turns out, it’s mutual. We are lucky to have the opportunity to partner with such rockstar educators, parents, and students…here are a few reasons why we feel lucky:
Students Give Us Purpose
First and foremost, we work with and for students. Students give us purpose, and we love to lock arms and do good in the world together. A recent high school graduate, college freshman, and 2020 summer intern Jackson Buttler shared with us: “I thought TSI encapsulated all of what I was involved with and passionate about. I ended up really resonating with their mission and positive approach to social media and conversations about social-emotional health. After I saw the program in the classroom [at partner school Ravenscroft], I knew it was something I wanted to get involved with behind the scenes. I was able to get such great hands-on experience, and I literally had a one-on-one with the CEO of the company after watching her product in action. That was the coolest thing.”
Great Lessons Can Impact Everyone at a School
Rob Wegley, Dean of Culture at Lake Forest in Illinois explained to us that his expectations were high for SEL. He wanted to engage students right from the get-go. Rob shared that, “Students were hesitant as we rolled out #WinAtSocial. However, as they got into the lessons, classrooms lit up with discussion and inquiry into the different questions and responses. Walking the halls, I often overhear comments proclaimed with excitement from classrooms like, ‘Wait! How do we compare to the rest of the school? What about the nation?’ The engagement is second-to-none.”
We’re all about impacting school communities. Powerful lessons can lift up a classroom and a school, impacting teachers, staff and school leadership as they interact with students. And, hey, with our lessons, there’s always the chance that adults might learn something too!
Parents “Get It”
Cynthia Hanks, mom of a middle school student at Saint Raphael, shares that when her daughter came back from school after the student presentation she was told to pay attention. “‘Mom, Laura [The Social Institute CEO] knows what she is talking about.’ The parent presentation that evening was then packed with solid information, relevant examples, a clear message, and step-by-step recommendations that will benefit the Hanks house. I came home surprisingly refreshed and optimistic that there is even more possibility to social media than I knew of. These teens have influences from social media that are shaping who they become as individuals, and I see tremendous value in learning technology simultaneously with my child.”
Parents these days often know intuitively that social media and technology can have a major impact on the lives of their children. But what do they do about it? How do they coach them effectively? We’re lucky that the parents we work with get the point of our work and keep coming back for more.
About The Social Institute
The Social Institute partners with schools nationwide to empower students, families, and educators to positively navigate social-emotional health, social media, and technology. Schools access our student-respected, turnkey curriculum through WinAtSocial.com, an interactive, gamified learning platform. With solutions for students, parents, and educators, we offer a systemic and comprehensive SEL program through a unique and positive approach. We are proud to serve public and independent partners such as Ravenscroft School, Woodward Academy, Oldfields School, All Saints Episcopal School, Lake Forest School District, Boston Public Schools, and more. For more information on how to empower your students to make high-character decisions online and off, please contact us.