Learning

Fostering Skills for Life: Social-Emotional Learning at MLS

At Martin Luther School, every part of the school day is thoughtfully designed to help students grow as confident, caring, and capable people. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is embedded into daily experiences, guiding students to understand and manage their emotions, show empathy for others, build positive relationships, and make thoughtful decisions.

Our teachers and staff bring strong experience in SEL and use approaches such as Kagan Cooperative Learning, Restorative Practices, and Collaborative Problem Solving to ensure that every child feels seen, valued, and supported as they learn and grow—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Clinical Services

Social Work

At Martin Luther School, our School Social Work Department plays a vital role in supporting the emotional well-being and success of every student. Our social workers provide individualized care through case management, one-on-one counseling, and daily check-ins with students. They work closely with teachers, families, and outside providers to ensure that each child’s needs are met both in and out of the classroom. Whether helping students develop coping strategies, navigate social challenges, or build resilience, our social workers are trusted adults who offer consistent support, guidance, and advocacy. Through these connections, we create a caring, responsive school environment where every student feels understood and supported.

Counseling

At Martin Luther School, our Counseling Program supports the social, emotional, and behavioral growth of every student. Counselors work with students in a variety of ways — through individual counseling, small group sessions, and classroom-based lessons that build social skills, emotional awareness, and problem-solving abilities. In addition to direct support, our counselors lead school-wide initiatives that promote kindness, empathy, and mental wellness throughout the MLS community. By building strong relationships and providing consistent guidance, our counseling team helps students develop confidence, resilience, and the skills they need to thrive both in and outside of school.

Collaborative Problem Solving

This school year, Martin Luther School introduced Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) to further support our students’ social and emotional growth. CPS is a caring, relationship-based approach that helps children and adults work together to understand challenges and find positive, respectful solutions. Through open conversations and empathy, students learn important life skills such as communication, flexibility, problem-solving, and self-control. By practicing these skills in a supportive environment, students gain confidence in expressing themselves, understanding others, and making thoughtful choices — skills that will serve them well both in school and beyond.

Restorative Practices

Restorative Practices form the foundation of how we build community. Students learn that their voices matter and that they belong to a community that cares about them. When challenges arise, we focus on understanding what happened, who was affected, and how we can repair harm together. Students develop the skills to communicate their needs, listen to others with empathy, and work together to find solutions. This approach teaches them that mistakes are growth opportunities and that strong relationships are built on trust, accountability, and mutual respect — skills they’ll carry with them long after they leave Martin Luther School.