Ryan named director of Center for Excellence in Social and Emotional Learning

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Dr. Toni Ryan of East Hampton will lead the Center for Excellence in Social and Emotional Learning (CESEL) at 蜜柚视频 as director starting this fall.

is an initiative housed within the School of Education and Professional Studies that focuses on the development of social and emotional well-being for children and adults through education, advocacy, and research.

鈥淲e are excited that Dr. Ryan has assumed the role of director for the Center for Excellence in Social & Emotional Learning. She has an extensive background in research regarding awareness-based leadership and PreK-12 experience and is an ideal faculty member to lead the center,鈥 says Dr. John Barile, dean of the School of Education.

An associate professor in Central鈥檚 Department of Educational Leadership and Instructional Technology, Ryan brings decades of expertise in educational leadership, curriculum development, and social and emotional learning (SEL) to her new role. Prior to her appointment, she served as CESEL鈥檚 inaugural research coordinator, where she led research efforts and established CESEL-funded grants to support innovative projects in SEL across school communities.

In addition to her work with CESEL, Dr. Ryan serves as director of the Leadership Community of Practice for Central鈥檚 Teacher Residency Program, forging new partnerships between higher education and PK - 12 districts, with a focus on supporting educators and future leaders through collaboration and shared learning.

鈥淚 am deeply honored to take on this role,鈥 Ryan says. 鈥淥ur vision is to position CESEL as a vital resource that supports educational research and harnesses collective wisdom about SEL practices; to build resilient, adaptive learning communities capable of meaningful transformation; and to work collaboratively with our members, organizations, and PK - 12, higher education, and community partners to advance social and emotional learning in ways that truly serve our students and the broader educational community in Connecticut.鈥

Ryan is also an active scholar and practitioner and is currently conducting a multi-year, grant-funded research study exploring the development of pre-career and veteran women educational leaders as agents of systemic change.