Professional Certificate in Social Skills Education
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we have Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in social skills education and the instructor of a new Professional Certificate course on this very topic. Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about your personal experiences that led you to focus on social skills education? GUEST: Absolutely, I've always been fascinated by how people interact and connect with each other. As a teacher, I noticed that many students struggled with social situations, which inspired me to delve deeper into this field and help learners develop these essential skills. HOST: That's wonderful. Now, social skills education is becoming increasingly important in various industries, especially education. Could you share some current trends you're seeing in this area? GUEST: Certainly. One trend is the integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) into core curriculum subjects, making it a priority alongside academic achievement. Another trend is the emphasis on creating inclusive learning environments to support diverse learners and their unique social needs. HOST: Creating inclusive learning environments is vital for every student's success. Now, what are some challenges you've faced or observed when it comes to teaching social skills education? GUEST: Time constraints and limited resources are common challenges. Teachers often feel overwhelmed with academic expectations, leaving little room for social skills development. Additionally, many educators may lack the necessary training to effectively teach these skills. HOST: Those are significant challenges indeed. Now, looking ahead, where do you see the future of social skills education going? GUEST: I believe we'll continue to see a growing emphasis on SEL as research demonstrates its positive impact on learners' academic, personal, and professional success. Technology will likely play a larger role in delivering SEL resources and training, making it more accessible for educators and learners alike. HOST: It's exciting to see the potential for social skills education, especially with the help of technology. Dr. Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights on the new Professional Certificate in Social Skills Education. We're confident that this course will empower educators and professionals to make a real difference in young people's lives. GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm thrilled to be a part of this important initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on learners and educators.