About SEL Academy

Bridging neuroscience and social-emotional learning to create accessible, evidence-based frameworks for educators and professionals.

Our Mission

To empower educators, mental health professionals, parents, and organizations with practical, neuroscience-based social-emotional learning tools that foster growth, resilience, and well-being.

We believe that understanding the connection between brain chemistry and emotional regulation can transform how we approach SEL in educational and professional settings.

Our Vision

A world where social-emotional learning is accessible, engaging, and grounded in scientific understanding—where every learner has the tools to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

We envision classrooms, therapy rooms, and workplaces where SEL frameworks are seamlessly integrated into daily practice.

Our Frameworks

ROYGBIV Framework
Color-Coded SEL Competency Assessment

The ROYGBIV Framework uses the rainbow spectrum as a mnemonic device to make seven core social-emotional competencies memorable and accessible. Each color represents a key area of personal development:

Red: Self-Awareness & Mindfulness
Orange: Creativity & Innovation
Yellow: Resilience & Perseverance
Green: Self-Compassion & Empathy
Blue: Communication & Advocacy
Indigo: Community Building
Violet: Diversity & Collaboration

This framework serves as both a screening tool and progress monitoring system, allowing educators and professionals to track growth over time in a visually intuitive way.

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DOES-C Framework
Neurochemical-Based Sensory Activities

The DOES-C Framework connects five key neurochemicals to the five senses, providing a comprehensive approach to emotional regulation through sensory experiences:

D
Dopamine: Motivation and Reward

Activities that boost energy, focus, and goal-directed behavior

O
Oxytocin: Bonding and Trust

Practices that foster connection, empathy, and social bonding

E
Endorphins: Happiness and Resilience

Strategies for stress relief, mood elevation, and emotional resilience

S
Serotonin: Mood and Balance

Techniques for emotional stability, contentment, and well-being

C
Cortisol: Stress and Regulation

Methods for managing stress responses and promoting calm

Each neurochemical is explored through all five senses (visual, auditory, taste, tactile, olfactory), creating a 5×5 matrix of practical activities grounded in neuroscience.

K-12 SEL Standards Integration
Aligned with Minnesota SEL Benchmarks

Our frameworks are designed to complement and support implementation of K-12 SEL standards, including the five core competencies established by CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning):

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Self-Awareness

Understanding emotions, strengths, and values

⚙️
Self-Management

Regulating emotions and achieving goals

👥
Social Awareness

Empathy and perspective-taking

🤝
Relationship Skills

Building healthy relationships

🎯
Responsible Decision-Making

Making ethical, constructive choices

Our rubric provides grade-level benchmarks (K-3, 4-5, 6-8, 9-12) that help educators assess and support student development across these competencies.

Evidence-Based Approach

Our frameworks are grounded in neuroscience research and SEL best practices

Neuroscience
Research on neurochemicals (dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, serotonin, cortisol) and their role in emotional regulation and behavior.
SEL Research
Evidence from CASEL and other leading organizations on effective social-emotional learning interventions and assessment.
Sensory Science
Studies on multi-sensory learning and the impact of sensory experiences on emotional states and well-being.

Get in Touch

Interested in bringing SEL Academy frameworks to your school, practice, or organization? We'd love to hear from you.