Post COVID, it was more important than ever to pay attention to the social-emotional health of young people, as well as the educators who teach them, as they resume schooling and other learning environments (in person, hybrid, and/or remote). A discussion featuring Dr. Gil Noam, Director of The PEAR Institute and faculty member at Harvard University, with members of the PEAR team, covers the current mental health climate; how to address the challenges and opportunities faced by educators and youth associated with social isolation and uncertainty; and how to best elevate SED skills in learning environments (STEM and non-STEM alike) to promote engagement and well-being. The PEAR Institute believes intentionally creating ways to meet social emotional needs is essential for learning and preventing long-term mental health problems.

SPEAKERS 

Dr. Gil Noam

Gil Noam, Ed.D., Dr. Habil is the founder and director of The PEAR Institute: Partnerships in Education and Resilience at McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate. He is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School focusing on prevention and resilience. He served as the director of the Risk and Prevention Program and is the founder of the RALLY Prevention Program, a Boston-based intervention that bridges social and academic support in school, afterschool, and community settings.

Jamaal Williams 

Jamaal Williams is committed to building youth and educators to affect social change. A graduate of Cornell University by way of Queens, NY, he has used his talents in service-learning programming, group facilitation, and talent development throughout his career. He served as an AmeriCorps member with City Year, worked in higher education and in local politics, and became a leader in the field of nonprofit recruitment and admissions.