A Phenomenological Study of Teachers and Mental Health Paraprofessionals Implementing the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Program

This study examined the lived experience of teachers and mental health paraprofessionals implementing the Jesse Lewis Choose Love curriculum in an alternative school setting. Social emotional learning curriculum implementation within the unique structure of alternative schools is important to investigate in order to better understand the unique needs of those providing services to students in this setting. This study utilized open-ended written prompts and two focus groups with teachers and mental health paraprofessionals for 10 weeks of implementation of this social emotional learning program. Participants reported changes in students and themselves and an increase in group cohesion. Five identified themes included change in students, change in staff, group cohesion, awareness of student needs, and existing stability; all of which have implications for future social emotional learning curricula. Suggestions for best practices for SEL implementation are included