The Welcoming Library professional learning is designed for your professional development and guided by the CASEL framework. We encourage you to engage with them sequentially, taking time to reflect and participate in the reflection opportunities before advancing to the next module. Revisit unfamiliar topics as needed or explore further using your favorite search engine. These modules are an open invitation—no RSVP required.
At the heart of the Pine Project, we offer Reflection Opportunities to deepen your understanding. During each module, you will be prompted to pause the video and embark on each activity. These moments of reflection are designed to deepen your understanding, celebrate differences, to allow you to cultivate meaningful engagement in your classrooms.
Pine 1: Introduction
Welcome to the PINE Project, an innovative initiative led by the Maine Department of Education in partnership with I’m Your Neighbor Books. This project equips educators with a collection of 30 picture books and self-guided professional development designed to foster belonging and support meaningful Social Emotional Learning by reflecting the diverse experiences of immigrant families and their new generations.
Pine 2: Self-Awareness
CASEL reminds us that Self-awareness includes the ability to understand one's emotions, thoughts, and values. It asks us to examine how human experiences influence behavior across contexts. Self-awareness requires us to look within ourselves, assess our attitudes and emotional states to become grounded in the things that help us find purpose.
Pine 3: Social Awareness
To explore social awareness, CASEL highlights essential competencies such as perspective-taking, recognizing the strengths of others, demonstrating empathy and concern, expressing gratitude, understanding social norms, and recognizing situational demands and opportunities. Additionally, understanding how organizations and systems shape behavior is vital for promoting inclusion and equity.
Pine 4: Self-Management
CASEL defines self-management as the ability to regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to achieve personal goals and aspirations. This includes building resilience, cultivating positive relationships, and supporting academic and professional success. Integrating these self-management skills into classroom practices is essential for creating equitable learning environments.
Pine 5: Relationship Skills & Responsible Decision-Making
Relationship skills are essential for fostering positive connections and ensuring successful interactions. According to CASEL, these skills include effective communication, demonstrating cultural competency, resolving conflicts, collaborative problem-solving, showing leadership, offering support, and advocating for others. Developing strong relationship skills is crucial for students to become respectful, responsible members of society. This skill set represents the convergence of previous competencies: self-awareness—understanding our own identities and emotions—and social awareness—recognizing the cultures, identities, and emotions of others. Together, they form the foundation for meaningful and impactful relationships.ESSERF (CRRSA and Emergency) funds received from the US Department of Education (USDOE) support the implementation of this project. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, the USDOE or the U.S. Government.
Contact
Melanie JunkinsMultilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist
Email: Melanie.Junkins@maine.gov