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Social Emotional Learning information

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$29.5K

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$81.5K

How much do social emotional learning jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for social emotional learning in the United States is $51,005.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Social Emotional Learning (SEL) specialists typically collaborate with teachers and school staff to support students?

SEL specialists work closely with teachers, counselors, and administrators to integrate social-emotional practices into the school environment. This often involves co-developing lesson plans, leading professional development workshops, and providing ongoing support to staff as they implement SEL strategies in their classrooms. Effective collaboration requires open communication and adaptability, as SEL specialists tailor their approach to address the unique needs of each school community. Regular meetings and feedback sessions help ensure that SEL initiatives are aligned with academic goals and responsive to student needs.

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which individuals, both children and adults, acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve goals, show empathy for others, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL programs are often integrated into school curricula to help students develop these critical life skills, which support both academic success and overall well-being. By fostering self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, SEL creates a foundation for safe and positive learning environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist, you need expertise in child development, educational psychology, and SEL frameworks, often supported by a degree in education or counseling. Familiarity with SEL curriculum tools, data collection platforms, and behavior assessment systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and the ability to facilitate group discussions make someone stand out in this role. These skills are vital for effectively promoting students' emotional growth, positive behavior, and a healthy school climate.

What is the difference between Social Emotional Learning vs School Counselor?

AspectSocial Emotional LearningSchool Counselor
CredentialsNone required; often involves training or certification in SEL programsState certification and licensure required
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, workshops, community programsSchool offices, counseling rooms, classrooms
Employer & IndustrySchools, non-profits, educational organizationsSchools, educational institutions
Primary FocusDeveloping social-emotional skills in studentsProviding mental health support and guidance to students

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) focuses on teaching students skills like self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management, often through structured programs. School Counselors provide direct mental health support, academic guidance, and career counseling. While both roles aim to support student well-being, SEL is more about skill development across the student body, whereas School Counselors offer personalized counseling services.

More about Social Emotional Learning jobs
What cities are hiring for Social Emotional Learning jobs? Cities with the most Social Emotional Learning job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Social Emotional Learning jobs? The most popular types of Social Emotional Learning jobs are:
What states have the most Social Emotional Learning jobs? States with the most job openings for Social Emotional Learning jobs include:
Infographic showing various Social Emotional Learning job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,005 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Social Emotional Learning Specialist

Social Emotional Learning Specialist

Palmdale School District

Palmdale, CA

$55.29 - $67.20/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Palmdale School District rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

187th of 616 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Social Emotional Learning Specialist at Palmdale School District Share on X Print Application Deadline 6/30/2027 4:00 PM Pacific Date Posted 7/15/2026 Contact Elvira Cova 661.285.2902 Number of Openings 5 Salary Pay Range 55.29 - 67.20 Per Hour Length of Work Year 10 months per year Employment Type Full Time Job Summary Job Summary The Social Emotional Learning Specialist (SELS) provides instruction, therapy, and educationally required counseling services to students to promote positive social skills, mental health, and personal growth. The SELS identifies emotional and social skills needs, and encourages positive behavior through social/emotional skills training. Support families and district staff by providing consultation, instruction, and group counseling activities in the area of mental health

Job Description / Essential Elements: Print The Social Emotional Learning Specialist (SELS) provides instruction, therapy, and educationally required counseling services to students to promote positive social skills, mental health, and personal growth. The SELS identifies emotional and social skills needs, and encourages positive behavior through social/emotional skills training. Support families and district staff by providing consultation, instruction, and group counseling activities in the area of mental health.

Supervision Exercised and Received Reports direction to the Director of Student Services or designee. Example of Duties: The following are typical duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to, all tasks identified. May perform similar related tasks not listed.

Provide individual, group, and family social/emotional counseling and training services to parents, students, educational staff, and community agencies. Consult with parents; describe services and obtain consent when appropriate. Complete and maintain confidential reports that meet legal mandates.

Provide direct and group instruction/counseling services to students. Consult with educational staff, school psychologists, and administrators regarding students' social-emotional needs. Support "wrap around" services (family and community-based support services) for identified students and families.

Provide staff development and training specific to the areas of social/emotional/mental health. Conduct threat and suicide risk assessments. Participate as a member of the RTI and IEP teams; provide information regarding student performance; recommend goals and objectives.

Communicate and coordinate services with community-based agencies, including Mental Health, Public Health, Regional Center and Social Services. Refer students to school psychologist for IDEA supports. Develop and maintain intervention programs.

Conduct interviews, assessments and observations. Refer students to public/private psychological counseling services. Support foster students and families; serve as liaison between DCFS, students, parent/guardians, and educational staff.

Supervise licensed interns. Attend required meetings. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications Experience: Two (2) years of experience providing psychological and/or social/emotional instruction or counseling services. Experience working with children in a special education program is desirable. Education: Master's degree from an accredited institution in the field of Marriage & Family Counseling or Social Work.

Advanced training in evidenced based practices for counseling. Other: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish language desired Required in accordance with licensing requirements for the State of California: (Intern Licenses will not be accepted) Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT); or Marriage, Family & Child Counselor (MFCC); or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Requirements / Qualifications Experience: Two (2) years of experience providing psychological and/or social/emotional instruction or counseling services. Experience working with children in a special education program is desirable.

Education: Master's degree from an accredited institution in the field of Marriage & Family Counseling or Social Work. Advanced training in evidenced based practices for counseling. Other: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish language desired Required in accordance with licensing requirements for the State of California: (Intern Licenses will not be accepted) Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT); or Marriage, Family & Child Counselor (MFCC); or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Comments and Other Information The following items must accompany your completed application: Letter of Application Resume Official college transcripts showing Masters degree License (MFT, MFCC, LCSW) Three Current Letters of Recommendation (less than 6 months old; will not be accepted without signature) Comments and Other Information The following items must accompany your completed application: Letter of Application Resume Official college transcripts showing Masters degree License (MFT, MFCC, LCSW) Three Current Letters of Recommendation (less than 6 months old; will not be accepted without signature) Links Related To This Job California Credentialing Information Non Discrimination Policy BP 4030 Title IX View Other Job Desc.

/ Ess. Elem. CalPERS Links Not all postings qualify for CalPERS.

Informational Only. CalPERS Retirement Benefits ADD TO WISHLIST VIEW JOB WISHLIST APPLY (Current Employees ONLY) APPLY QUICK APPLY


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