Letter From Our Founder.

Teachers have one of the most important jobs in the life of a child because they help shape the next generation to be well rounded, productive citizens. In order for teachers to holistically educate our children, students need to learn how to function effectively, both socially and emotionally, in academic and social settings. Teaching is very rewarding, yet extremely challenging. When academic instruction is consistently interrupted by social and emotional crisis in the classroom every students’ learning experience is impacted, most significantly those who are under resourced and low functioning.  In addition to impacting the students, this contributes to increased teacher burn out and decreased instructional efficiency.  When students do not get their social and emotional needs met, they have decreased capacity to engage effectively in the classroom, and succeed academically.  This commonly results in behavioral referrals, truancy, suspension, and expulsion. 

Education is essential, for children to have the tools they need to be successful; however, it is equally imperative for us to equip them socially and emotionally.  To effectively meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of each child it requires commitment from everyone in their support system. During my 21 years in education, I have seen the desperate need for advocacy for children to receive extensive social and emotional support and teachers to receive additional resources to address these needs in the classroom.  I AM was created to help address these needs by providing programming that empowers children to realize their value, promotes healthy self-confidence and self-discipline, strengthens character, and builds relationship and responsible decision-making skills.  I AM exists to empower students to succeed socially, emotionally, and academically, so they will reach their fullest potential. If we value children’s social and emotional learning, equal to their academics they will be significantly more successful in life and in the classroom. Teachers will additionally be energized, equipped, and effective in their teaching career.

Social and emotional learning must become a fundamental underpinning of academic curriculum and educational programs in order for our children, families, educators, and institutions to impact generations at their highest capacity.