Nagaland teachers reconnect for SEL Ambassador training

DIMAPUR — Building on the momentum of the 2024 in-person Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Ambassador training, over 200 government school teachers from across Nagaland reconvened virtually from July 28 to August 1 to deepen their engagement with SEL.

After actively participating in phases 1 and 2, refresher sessions, bi-monthly campaigns, and webinars, the virtual gathering provided a valuable opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and reaffirming commitments, stated an update from Dream a Dream, Nagaland.

The virtual gathering gave teachers a chance to pause amidst growing academic and emotional demands, reflect on their experiences, acknowledge their growth, and reconnect with the common purpose that united them.

Organised by the Department of School Education (DoSE) in collaboration with Dream a Dream, the training was conducted in four batches, with each session lasting three hours.

The sessions were formally inaugurated by senior officials from the Department of School Education, including Additional Director Deenabandhu Panda, Deputy Director Mary Neilhouvonuo, Assistant Director Gloria Ezung, and Assistant Director Imtisangla.

The officials commended the teachers’ continued dedication and highlighted SEL’s crucial role in creating inclusive, caring classrooms—especially for children from adverse backgrounds—emphasising its strong alignment with NEP 2020’s vision of holistic development.

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The two-day virtual training provided a structured and supportive environment for teachers to re-engage with SEL through a combination of reflective practices, creative expression, and peer dialogue.

The first day of the virtual gathering focused on establishing a shared sense of purpose through introductory check ins, narrative sharing, and facilitated small-group discussions designed to build connection and trust.

The second day enabled deeper introspection and expression through arts-based activities such as poetry, doodling, and mind mapping—encouraging participants to assess their well-being and reimagine emotionally safe classroom practices.

“The sessions combined experiential methodologies with reflective dialogue, and small group discussions—rooted in teachers’ lived experiences and aligned with the vision of holistic education in NEP 2020—reinforcing SEL principles and the vital role of educators in nurturing compassionate, student-centred classrooms.

“This is an ongoing initiative to revitalise the SEL Ambassador community and reaffirm their commitment to creating classrooms where every child is seen, heard, and empowered to thrive,” the update added.