Sel-pulse-2025 | Heroes Made

2025 State of Social-Emotional Learning in Elementary Schools

National Pulse Survey

We are conducting this national survey to gain a deeper understanding of how elementary schools across the United States approach social-emotional learning (SEL) and the real-world challenges educators face in implementing it. The goal is to collect meaningful data that can inform future research, guide the development of practical solutions, and ultimately support teachers and students in building essential life skills. Your participation will contribute to a broader understanding of SEL in today’s classrooms. The survey takes just two minutes to complete, and all responses will be used solely for research, educational, and solution-development purposes.

Optional

By entering your school name and an email address at the end of the survey, you may choose to receive the final 2025 SEL Insights Report and be entered into a draw for a free one-year subscription to a comprehensive SEL program for your school.

This field is optional. If you would like to be entered into a draw to win 1 year of free access to an educationally aligned SEL program for your school, please enter the name of your school and state below:

If you’d like to receive the results of the 2025 SEL Insights Report and be notified if your school wins the free one-year SEL program subscription, please enter your email below:

Which grade levels does your school serve?

K–2

3–5

K–5

K–6

How does your school currently deliver Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

We use a purchased SEL curriculum

We build our own SEL resources internally

SEL is integrated informally into daily teaching

We do not currently have a structured SEL program

What are the biggest challenges you believe schools face when delivering SEL? (Select up to 2)

Time required for teachers to plan lessons

Professional development and training needed for staff

Student engagement or participation

Lack of culturally relevant or inclusive content

Cost of SEL programs

Aligning SEL with academic standards

Measuring SEL outcomes effectively

How confident are you that your current SEL approach prepares students with real-world life skills?

Very confident

Somewhat confident

Not confident

Unsure

What type of SEL support would make the biggest difference for your teachers and students? (Select up to 2)

Ready-to-use lessons that require no prep

Student-centered stories and activities

Tools to track SEL progress

Professional learning support for staff

Tools that get students excited and engaged

How much of a priority is improving SEL in your school this academic year?

Top priority, we are actively exploring new solutions

Important, but we’re not actively searching yet

On the radar, but not a focus this year

Not currently a priority

What are the most pressing social-emotional or behavioral challenges your school is currently facing? (Select up to 2)

Bullying, peer conflict, or social exclusion

Emotional regulation and impulse control

Anxiety, stress, or student mental well-being

Low self-esteem or confidence

Lack of empathy, kindness, or social awareness

Classroom disruptions and behavior management

Student disengagement or lack of motivation

Difficulty building a positive school culture

Other

How does your school currently fund social-emotional learning (SEL) programs or initiatives?

We receive dedicated state or federal SEL funding

We receive funding through private grants or foundations

We are actively seeking new funding opportunities

We use discretionary/general school funds and do not apply for grants

We currently do not allocate funds for SEL

Not applicable – we do not rely on funding or grants for SEL

By checking this box, I understand that my responses will be used solely for research, educational, and solution-development purposes. Any contact information I choose to share is entirely optional and will only be used to send me the results of this survey and relevant resources related to social-emotional learning. My data will not be sold or shared with third parties.