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Learn Online Courses Course Catalog OPDI-M38
OPDI-M38

Social and Emotional Learning in Dance Practice

Women in green top with one hand on chest and the other on her stomach, her head is down

September 7 - October 18, 2026

Professor: Gina Spears

Tuition: $310 member / $410 non-member

6 Weeks; 1.5 NDEO-Endorsed PDC

**Optional add-on** College Credits through Oakland University: 2

All dance educators should know how to incorporate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) principles into their teaching practice. This 6 week mini-course is designed to equip you with the tools and strategies to integrate SEL into your teaching practice effectively.

We will explore methods to cultivate emotional intelligence, self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making among your dance students. By focusing on these key areas, you will be able to create supportive, inclusive, and nurturing dance spaces where emotional growth can thrive alongside artistic development.

Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow dance educators enrolled in the course, brainstorm ideas, and develop SEL-focused dance lessons and activities. You will leave this course with the ability to weave SEL principles into your daily dance classes, crafting lessons that help students grow their artistic, social and emotional capacities.

To receive college credit for this course in addition to PDCs, you must register through Oakland University by scheduling an advising session and finalizing your registration through OU before the August 15 deadline.

Questions about this Course?  Email opdi@ndeo.org

Past Student Testimonials

SEL is an integral part of the learning experience. My students are having more fun in class because of it and are eager to learn more about Dance. All teachers regardless of what setting of teaching they're in should all learn about SEL approaches.

This course has empowered me to better use SEL intentionally in movement in our programs.

I have been wanting to take a course on SEL for a very long time. I like that it provided a different set of tools for teaching it allowed me the opportunity to be in tune with the current teaching practices that are evolving and helping a new generation of students. I also liked that it provided all these different concepts of Social and Emotional processes that can be intertwined with learning and dancing.

By being more thoughtful about how I interact with students and how I guide them to interact with themselves and each other, I expect to see stronger community growth. Students will likely become more supportive, resilient, and self-aware, which will strengthen both the classroom culture and their individual progress. I anticipate smoother collaboration, fewer behavioral challenges, and a deeper sense of belonging among the dancers.

Professor Bio

headshot of Gina Spears, she is wearing an green blouse and has a big smileGina D'Antonio-Spears has taught dance in Chicago Public Schools for over 25 years and recently launched a PreK–8 dance program at Portage Park Elementary. As the school’s Magnet Cluster Lead, she leads arts integration professional learning, supports classroom teachers, and facilitates both staff and student arts leadership teams. She mentors new teachers, leads professional development in her district, and has presented for IAHPERD, IL-DEO, NDEO, and local arts organizations. She has been a mentor since the inception of the NDEO K-12 Mentorship Program.  She co-authored an article on social-emotional learning in Dance Education in Practice. Gina holds a BFA in Dance Education from Shenandoah University and an MEd in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. Teaching students is her joy, teaching teachers is her passion.

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