Connecticut Legislators Introduce Bill in Honor of Sandy Hook Victim

The Jesse Lewis Empowering Educators Act was unveiled today by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

The bill is named in honor of 6-year-old Jesse Lewis, was tragically killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The act would provide teachers with powerful tools and training to support students’ social and emotional learning, according to a news release from Blumenthal’s office.

Specifically, the bill would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act so that existing professional development funding could be used to train teachers in concepts related to social and emotional learning.

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) is a co-sponsor, and Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) is a co-sponsor of the House bill.

“In honor of Jesse, and the 25 other beautiful children and talented educators lost at Sandy Hook, this bill provides teachers skills and support to help all students grow into strong and healthy members of society,” Blumenthal said in a statement.

Scarlett Lewis, who has founded the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation since her son’s death said, “We all have to take responsibility for the education and wellbeing of our children. The Jesse Lewis Empowering Educators Act introduces a powerful initiative that will benefit our children physically, mentally and emotionally as well as the future of our country.”

Murphy and Esty both expressed their confidence and support for the bill.

“The time has come for an Emotion Revolution in our nation’s education system. Research shows that emotions drive learning, decision making, relationships, and mental health,” Marc Brackett, Director of Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence said in the statement. “Evidence-based approaches to social and emotional learning (SEL) lead to higher academic performance, greater teacher effectiveness, and enhanced school climate. SEL ensures that all stakeholders in all schools develop the skills they need to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.”

Social and emotional learning addresses how children learn to recognize and manage emotions, achieve positive goals, demonstrate caring and concern for others, maintain positive relationships, make responsible decisions and handle interpersonal situations effectively.

Image via Richard Blumenthal Official Twitter Account

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