Description

Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:

1. Explain key differences between traditional SEL models and equity‑centered, culturally responsive SEL approaches.
2. Describe the Equity‑Centered, Culturally Responsive SEL Leadership Framework and its application in K–12 school settings.
3. Identify leadership practices that support culturally affirming SEL implementation and strengthen student identity, belonging, and outcomes.

 

Presenter Bio:

Janeen Akins is a licensed school social worker whose work is grounded in advocating for children’s safety, well‑being, and educational success. She holds an associate’s degree in Community Service Technology, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Akron. She is also a Doctoral Candidate in Social Work with a concentration in Administrative Leadership at the University of Kentucky.

In her role as a school social worker in a public K–12 setting, her practice centers on supporting children’s social‑emotional development, strengthening school climate, and fostering meaningful family–school partnerships. Her research focuses on culturally responsive, equity‑centered approaches to social‑emotional learning (SEL). Janeen’s doctoral capstone introduces an Equity‑Centered, Culturally Responsive SEL Leadership Framework designed to embed identity, belonging, and justice within K–12 school systems while elevating the leadership role of school social workers in driving systemic change.

Beyond her professional role, she extends her advocacy commitment into her personal life and community. Janeen is affiliated with the National Association of Social Workers, the National Association of Black Social Workers, the School Social Work Association, and the Black Child Development Institute. She has participated in several leadership development programs and is preparing her capstone research for publication to contribute to the growing scholarship on equity‑centered SEL and school social work leadership. Janeen is dedicated to improving outcomes for historically marginalized communities through advocacy, leadership, and community‑based action.

 

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)

Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.

Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.

Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.

Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.