02/25: The EI Leader’s Guide to 2025: Facing Challenges, Strengthening SEL, & Growing Together
Showcasing transformative projects and insights from leaders revolutionizing education and organizations through emotional intelligence, human development, and social impact.
About the editor: Griffin Gervais is the Founder & Podcast Host of Come Home Collective
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✍🏼 I Invite You To...Face Reality, Lead with Emotional Intelligence
A key trait of an emotionally intelligent leader? You address reality—you don’t pretend it doesn’t exist.
Time and time again, we see examples of leaders who meet their people where they are, acknowledging challenges head-on instead of ignoring them. Whether internal struggles or external crises, leaders who address the emotions surrounding a situation create safety, foster belonging, and ultimately empower their teams to move forward together.
Take, for example, Mark Loehr, CEO of SoundView Technology, who led his company through the aftermath of 9/11. Instead of forcing employees to move on as if nothing had happened, he created space for people to share their emotions, fears, and grief. His leadership united the team and inspired meaningful action to help those in need.
Or consider Superintendent Cabrera of EPISD in Texas, who stepped in after a cheating scandal exposed deep inequities in serving the district’s predominantly Latina/o students. Instead of avoiding the issue, he leaned into the difficult conversations, amplified the voices of those affected, and worked collectively to restructure the district’s approach to whole-child development.
And more recently, when a major hurricane devastated Western North Carolina in 2024, schools and communities were left in turmoil. Many families lost their homes, students were displaced, and normalcy was shattered within the first six weeks of the school year. The most effective leaders didn’t push forward with their original plans. Instead, they paused, met their people in their grief and loss, and refocused efforts on what mattered most—helping communities rebuild together.
But here’s the truth: Emotional intelligence in leadership doesn’t just show up in times of crisis. These examples remind us that at some point, each of these leaders made a conscious decision to:
✔️ Meet their people where they were
✔️ Address emotions rather than avoid them
✔️ Foster a collective path forward
Now, I invite you to reflect:
How can you meet your team where they are right now?
What challenge is lingering in the background that everyone knows about—but no one is addressing?
What would it mean for your leadership, your culture, and your people if you acknowledged reality and navigated it together?
The strongest teams, schools, and organizations aren’t built on avoidance—they are built on trust, connection, and a shared commitment to growth.
So, what’s your next step? How will you show up as an emotionally intelligent leader today?
We are stronger together,
Griffin
🎙️ Podcast Feature: Uncommonality Podcast
This time, I had the chance to be on the other side of the mic! I sat down with Sal & Kian, hosts of the Uncommonality Podcast, to share my journey in education—from teacher and administrator to consultant and founder.
We dive into:
✅ The experiences & mission behind Come Home Collective
✅ The gaps I’ve noticed in our educational system
✅ Our proactive approach to bridging those gaps
✅ The long-term vision & commitment to transforming education
✅ The lessons I’ve learned while building Come Home Collective
🔊 Tune in now
🎧 Spotify:
📺 YouTube:
📢 Article Highlight: “What’s Behind the Falloff in Social-Emotional Learning for Teens” | EdWeek
A recent EdWeek Research Center survey reveals that after a surge during the pandemic, emphasis on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in middle and high schools is declining. However, despite this drop, SEL remains more prioritized today than before 2020, signaling progress in embedding SEL into secondary education.
Key Takeaways from the Report
🔹 The Post-Pandemic Decline
In 2021, 53% of high school leaders reported a strong focus on SEL. That number has now dropped to 37%, nearing pre-pandemic levels.
Middle schools have experienced similar declines, while elementary school SEL focus has remained stable.
🔹 Why is SEL Losing Momentum?
Crisis-Driven Implementation: Many schools adopted SEL in response to pandemic-related challenges rather than as a long-term commitment.
Standalone vs. Integrated Approach: Some educators still view SEL as a separate initiative, rather than integrating it into core academics.
Funding Cuts: Schools used federal COVID-relief funds to expand SEL programs, but many of those funding sources have now ended.
Lack of High-Quality SEL for Teens: Many SEL curricula cater primarily to elementary students, leaving middle and high school programs outdated or ineffective.
🔹 Why SEL Still Matters for Middle & High Schoolers
Older students don’t need SEL in the same way as young children, but they still need it. Research shows SEL at this stage should focus on:
✅ Leadership skills
✅ Goal-setting
✅ Stress management
✅ Decision-making & independence
✅ Building healthy identities & relationships
Without high-quality, age-appropriate SEL and strong educator support, schools risk failing to equip students with the real-world skills they need to thrive.
💡 My Thoughts: The Path Forward
It is paramount that we prioritize, develop, and consistently focus on students' well-being, SEL development, and academic progress. SEL and academics aren’t in conflict—they strengthen one another, supporting students’ holistic development.
Moreover, SEL should not be a reactive measure, only emphasized in times of crisis. It must be woven into Tier 1 instruction—embedded for every student, every day, at every stage of their educational journey.
What are your thoughts? Have you seen SEL being de-emphasized in your school or organization? How can we ensure SEL remains a priority throughout a student’s educational journey?
Let’s Make 2025 a Year of Real Impact—Together.
Let’s connect and explore how we can support your goals. Schedule a call here.
🔗 Explore Our Work: Visit our website, check out our Building Come Home vlog on YouTube (don’t forget to subscribe & like!), and follow us on LinkedIn at Come Home Collective.
🎙️ Share Your Work: If you or your organization is driving change in education, leadership, human development, or social impact, we’d love to feature you on the Come Home Podcast. Reach out to griffin@comehomecollective.org.
For the latest updates, follow us on LinkedIn at Come Home Collective.