Get Your Hands on Direct

The summer edition of WSSDA Direct is now available to read online. Featuring the beautiful artwork “Botanical Refuge” by Isabelle Ehlis of Davis High School as its cover, this issue explores the idea of belonging, highlights upcoming WSSDA events, and spotlights exceptional educators.

Feature Story: Where Lesson Plans Include Emotions and Brain Function

Steilacoom Historical School District, recipients of WSSDA’s 2021 School Board of the Year and Board of Distinction, has crafted lesson plans focused on more than standard math and writing. By emphasizing social-emotional learning (SEL), coupled with neural education (education founded on brain function), the district has fostered a space where kids don’t just learn but thrive. “Social emotional skills are helping kids become more aware of themselves and how to approach and help those around them. I have a classroom community unlike anything I’ve ever seen before,” said Dana Payne, 5th grade teacher at Saltar’s Point Elementary.” This feature focuses on the district’s implementation of this new approach, and how it has positively affected their students.

Additional Highlights

Other features include previews of the WSSDA’s upcoming General Assembly and Annual Conference, staff picks from the OSPI 2022 Student Art Show, a highlight of State Teacher of the Year Recipient Jerad Koepp, a review of the book Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity, and much more.

Read the entire issue here. See past editions at wssda.org/Direct