What is SEL?

Social and emotional learning is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Why is SEL essential to the school and life success of students in our community?

Our emotions and relationships affect how and what we learn and how we use what we learn in work,  family, and community contexts.  On the one hand, emotions can enable us to generate an active interest in learning and sustain our engagement in it.  On the other hand, unmanaged stress and poor regulation of impulses interfere with attention and memory and contribute to behaviors disruptive to learning.

Moreover, learning is an intrinsically social and interactive process.  It takes place in collaboration with one's teachers, in the company of one's peers, and with the support of one's family.  Relationships are the engine in learning.

What does SEL look like in our school district? 

Social Emotional Learning like everything we do in Oglethorpe County is accomplished through a team approach. We work in each school to meet the needs of the students, families, and adults in that school. Our team starts with our Superintendent and includes counselors, principals, teachers, parents, and other key players that help support the emotional and learning needs of our students. We conduct groups with students, work with parents on issues related to school and learning, help support the MTSS team, work to support our teachers and administration, and share relevant and up to date resources. In addition, we post a newsletter for the community sharing resources and ideas related to SEL.

Who are we?

I am Alice McMaster. I am the Social Emotional Learning Specialist for Oglethorpe County School District. Since you are visiting our site, I hope you will take time to browse the Newsletter section and the Resources section and find out about SEL at OCS!

I am Turley Howard.   I am the School Social Worker and the school system’s Homeless Liaison.  I work with students, families, and staff members on all kinds of issues and struggles.  If you’re not sure if I can help, ask me; and if I’m not the one to help, I’ll steer you in the right direction if I can.

Points of Contact
SEL Social and Emotional Learning Flyer

Dr. Tonia Willis, District Wellness Counselor
Email Dr. Tonia Willis
(706) 743-8194, ext. 5218

Turley Howard, L.C.S.W., Ed. S.
School Social Worker & Homeless Liaison
Email Turley Howard
(706) 743-8710, office direct line
(706) 410-0678, work cell

Jodie Zeuke, Parent Mentor
Email Jodie Zeuke
(706)743-8128

Julie Withers, OCPS Counselor 
Email Julie Withers
(706) 743-8194, ext. 5006

Katie Edwards, OCES Counselor
Email Katie Edwards
(706) 743-8750, ext. 6006

Annie Murphy, OCMS Counselor
Email Annie Murphy
(706) 743-8146, ext. 4006

Erica Hughes, OCHS Counselor
Email Erica Hughes
(706) 743-8124, ext. 3006

Cindy Roach, OCHS Counselor
Email Cindy Roach
(706) 743-8124, ext. 3714

Cassandra Campbell, OCHS Counselor
Email Cassandra Campbell
(706) 743-8124, ext. 3007