Emotional Intelligence Instead of Yelling: The Model That's Changing Schools

For nearly a decade, schools in Zichron Yaakov have integrated social-emotional learning (SEL) from kindergarten through high school. Educators report less violence and a different discourse, but no local study has yet been conducted to verify the impact. On October 28, the first biennial of its kind in the country on the topic will be held in the town.

For nearly a decade, schools in Zichron Yaakov have integrated social-emotional learning (SEL) from kindergarten through high school. The program, originally developed in the US by the organization CASEL and experts such as Daniel Goleman, aims to equip children with tools for identifying emotions, regulating reactions, empathy, managing relationships, and responsible decision-making. In Israel, the SEL.IL center at Reichman University operates, adapting the approach to the local education system. Efrat Dvir, deputy head of the center, says the council initially purchased the EIL program, but over the years local teams were trained and the system now operates independently. Dr. Miriam Korkus-Fanoyan, director of the education department in Zichron Yaakov, reports a different climate and discourse among students, though she clarifies that there is no absolute zero violence. The article notes that no formal study has yet been conducted to examine the program's long-term impact, and that on October 28, 2026, the first biennial of its kind in the country for social-emotional learning will be held in Zichron Yaakov, with about 500 expected participants. The article brings examples from various schools in the town, such as the use of the "hero's journey," a school museum, and theater as tools for processing emotions.