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Lana Penley, former Principal turned CEO, stands at the forefront of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) movement in education.  After a school fire crisis, Lana spearheaded a complete transformation at her school, reducing suspensions, improving academic performance, and fostering a thriving community for both students and staff

As the dynamic CEO and Co-Founder of Unlocking SEL, Lana draws on 25 years of experience to shape her groundbreaking, mindful, and community-based approach to schooling, solidifying her status as a preeminent voice in SEL. She is on a mission to reimagine what’s possible for schools today, helping them become healthier and happier places through SEL, increasing positive student outcomes while reducing teacher burnout.

Her upcoming publication, Unlocking SEL: The 5 Keys to Transform Schools through Social and Emotional Learning, is poised to be a game-changer in the field, offering step-by-step strategies for comprehensive school and classroom transformation

With 25 years in education, Lana is also a renowned keynote speaker, avid pickleball player, dog mom, and the founder of groundbreaking courses like SEL Jumpstart—a mini-course designed to help educators stop delaying and start doing with  SEL.

No matter what she’s doing, Lana brings a unique blend of engaging storytelling, wit, emotional connection, and practical insights, making her style truly unforgettable.

Show Highlights

  • SEL and Academic Perfomance
  • Importance of Adult SEL
  • SEL as a Preventive Measure

Connect with Lana

Unlocking SEL Book

LinkedIn

Website

Additional Resources

Book Dr. Eakins

Watch The Art of Advocacy Show

Learn more about our Student Affinity Groups

Free Course on Implicit Bias

20 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Activities

FREE AUDIO COURSE: Race, Advocacy, and Social Justice Studies

Hosted by Dr. Sheldon L. Eakins

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Follow us every Thursday at 6:30 PM Eastern to learn ways that you can develop your advocacy skills in your school/community from experts in education.  

This show is built on three principles

  • The  Power of Preparation- Discover ways to develop a plan to address inequities in schools.
  • The Power of Persuasion- Gain an understanding of the art of influence and create a sense of urgency towards change.
  • The Power of Persistence- Recognize how to endure challenges as they may arise.
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Transform your school and your classroom with these best practices in equity

Leading Equity delivers an eye-opening and actionable discussion of how to transform a classroom or school into a more equitable place. Through explorations of ten concrete steps that you can take right now, Dr. Sheldon L. Eakins offers you the skills, resources, and concepts you’ll need to address common equity deficiencies in education.

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