Supporting Students Post-Election

After a record-breaking early voter turnout, Election Day has come to an end. As we wait for several states to finalize their ballot counts and results to be announced, it will be hard to stay present and not let uncertainty overwhelm us. I encourage you to be intentional about focusing on your well-being in the days and weeks ahead. Many of you may be wondering how you can support your students through this waiting period. Facing History and Ourselves and Teaching Tolerance both have informative resources to help you guide children through their emotions about the election and maintain a safe, supportive classroom climate.

No matter the election results, social-emotional learning (SEL) will remain fundamental to navigating whatever changes the coming months may have in store. Our Director of Policy and Advocacy, Jordan Posamentier, recently told me, “The best advocacy for SEL is rooted in relationships. The work should start with forming bonds and finding connections with people different from you. Even if they seem small or hard to find, we can share points of commonality with people we disagree with politically. We just have to look.” This week, that statement rings especially true. Our collective efforts to advance SEL will have a tremendous impact on students and families for years to come.

When the election results are announced, it will take time to process them, regardless of your political ideology. The past few years have been polarizing and divisive for many in our nation. But that discord has encouraged passionate individuals and groups to come together and advocate for change.

Though the future is unwritten, Committee for Children’s focus is clear. Our mission to foster the safety and well-being of children through social-emotional learning and development remains our priority. Together, we will help children thrive as we work to create a more just and peaceful world.

Best wishes,

Andrea Lovanhill | Interim Chief Executive Officer

Committee for Children